An Observational Study on the Correlation Between Circulating Cell-free DNA and Skin Macrophage STING Pathway Activation in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin condition causing itching and skin barrier damage linked to an overactive immune system. This observational study focuses on measuring circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), tiny DNA fragments released into the blood when skin cells are damaged by inflammation. The research aims to explore how these fragments may trigger immune responses and worsen AD, potentially revealing new ways to monitor and understand disease severity. Participants include adults with AD and healthy volunteers. Researchers will collect blood samples and, for some, small skin biopsies to analyze cfDNA levels and examine immune cell activity in the skin, particularly the STING pathway in macrophages. The study compares cfDNA in AD patients and healthy individuals and relates these levels to disease severity scores such as SCORAD and EASI. Throughout the study, participants will undergo standard skin evaluations and provide blood samples and possibly skin biopsies. Researchers will use these samples to measure cfDNA concentrations and immune responses, assessing the potential of cfDNA as a marker for AD severity. This study includes both AD patients and healthy volunteers and will help clarify the role of cfDNA in AD inflammation.

Assessment of cfDNA-STING Axis as a Potential Pathological Marker in Atopic Dermatitis