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PGE2/IL-22 Pathway in Various Forms of Eczema

NCT04133506 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 38

Last updated 2026-02-10

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Objectives: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised immunologically by T cellmediated inflammation. The pathogenic mechanisms involved in its development are incompletely understood and targeted treatment options are limited. The investigators will study the Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)/IL22/IL17 pathway which plays an important role in murine model chronic skin inflammation. The investigators wish to identify subtypes of human eczema in which this pathway may be involved and to determine whether manipulation of this pathway may offer effective new treatments.

Design, tissue/cells, techniques and measurements: To address these objectives, the investigators will measure the expression of IL22, IL17A and PGE2 synthases and receptors in skin biopsies from eczema and psoriasis patients using immunohistochemistry (confirming this with RT-PCR). IL22/IL17 producing Tcells (from peripheral blood) and their skin-homing capability (by ex-vivo cell culture and flow cytometry) will be measured. Deriving immune cells from skin biopsies using Villanova's technique1, the investigators will determine the T-cell response to PGE2 looking at PGE2 receptors and cytokine expression, interrogating these cells by flow cytometry. To determine the sequence and kinetics of activation of the PGE2/IL22/IL17 pathway the investigators will measure each immune mediator at specific time points by recruiting healthy volunteers inducing irritant and allergic contact dermatitis using dithranol and DNCB respectively. The investigators will repeat the experiment dividing volunteers into two arms, one pre-treated for one week with a non-specific prostaglandin inhibitor (aspirin) and the second with a placebo control.

Conditions

Interventions

DRUG

Aspirin 300mg

see earlier (only half of healthy volunteers receive aspirin)

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • NHS Lothian

    lead OTHER_GOV

Principal Investigators

  • Richard Weller, MB BCh · NHS and University of Edinburgh

Eligibility

Min Age
16 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2021-11-04
Primary Completion
2025-11-30
Completion
2025-11-30

Countries

  • United Kingdom

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT04133506 on ClinicalTrials.gov