Project Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin condition, affects millions of individuals worldwide, causing significant physical and psychological distress. The development of effective and safe topical treatments for AD is of paramount importance, as current therapies often have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects. This project aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel topical treatments for atopic dermatitis, with the goal of improving the management and quality of life for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by persistent and recurrent skin inflammation, accompanied by intense itching, dry and flaky skin, and increased susceptibility to skin infections. The underlying pathogenesis of AD involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, leading to a dysregulated immune response and impaired skin barrier function. Current topical treatments, such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, have demonstrated varying degrees of success, but their long-term use can be limited by adverse effects, including skin thinning, burning, and increased risk of infections. This project will focus on the evaluation of novel topical treatments that target the multifaceted pathogenesis of AD. These treatments may include, but are not limited to, natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and barrier-restoring properties, innovative delivery systems to enhance drug penetration, and targeted therapies that modulate specific immune pathways involved in the disease process. The study will be conducted in a rigorous and comprehensive manner, employing both in vitro and in vivo models to assess the efficacy and safety of the novel topical treatments. The in vitro experiments will involve the use of human skin cell cultures, including keratinocytes and immune cells, to evaluate the effects of the novel treatments on key parameters such as inflammation, barrier function, and cell viability. These models will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic targets of the novel treatments. The in vivo studies will be conducted using well-established animal models of atopic dermatitis, such as the NC/Nga mouse or the Flaky Tail mouse, which recapitulate the clinical and pathological features of the human disease. These animal studies will assess the efficacy of the novel topical treatments in reducing skin inflammation, improving barrier function, and mitigating associated symptoms, such as itching and skin damage. Additionally, the safety profile of the treatments will be thoroughly evaluated, including assessments of potential systemic absorption, skin irritation, and any adverse effects. The findings from this comprehensive evaluation will provide crucial insights into the potential of the novel topical treatments for atopic dermatitis. The successful development of these treatments could offer new and improved therapeutic options for patients, potentially reducing the burden of this chronic and debilitating skin condition. The results of this project will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at relevant scientific conferences, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the ongoing efforts to improve the management of atopic dermatitis.

Project Overview