NCT07573735Recruiting
Assessment of cfDNA-STING Axis as a Potential Pathological Marker in Atopic Dermatitis
An Observational Study on the Correlation Between Circulating Cell-free DNA and Skin Macrophage STING Pathway Activation in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 11 Jun 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
Study Overview Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching and skin barrier damage. While researchers know that the immune system is overactive in AD, it is difficult to measure the exact level of "damage" or "inflammation" happening deep within the skin using only a physical exam. The Purpose of This Study This study investigates a specific "danger signal" called circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). When skin cells are damaged or die due to inflammation, they release tiny fragments of DNA into the bloodstream. The investigators believe these fragments might act as a trigger for the immune system, worsening the disease. What the Study Involves Researchers will collect blood samples and small skin biopsies from patients with AD and healthy volunteers. The study aims to: Compare the levels of cfDNA in the blood of AD patients versus healthy individuals. Determine if higher levels of cfDNA correlate with more severe skin symptoms (measured by scores like SCORAD and EASI). Examine how immune cells in the skin (macrophages) respond to these DNA fragments through a specific biological switch called the STING pathway. Potential Impact By understanding this "damage-signal" loop, this research may lead to new ways for doctors to monitor AD severity through simple blood tests and could identify new targets for future anti-inflammatory treatments.
- Status (registry)
- Recruiting
- Study type
- Observational
- Enrollment
- 80 (estimated)
- First submitted
- 30 Apr 2026
- Start date
- 1 Feb 2026
- Primary completion date
- 30 Jun 2026
- Lead sponsor
- Zhongda Hospital
- Diseases
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- NCT number
- NCT07573735
What you commit to
- Study type: Observational
- Planned participants: 80
- From 1 Feb 2026 to the primary completion date, 30 Jun 2026
- 1 site in 1 country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Prior treatment
- Use of systemic immunosuppressants, systemic corticosteroids, or biological agents within 4 weeks prior to enrollment
- Use of topical treatments within 2 weeks prior to enrollment
Who the study is looking for
- Age 18 years or older
- Confirmed diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis
Age in the registry: 18 years to - · Sex: All · Accepts healthy volunteers
Sites (1)
Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhongda Hospital Southeast University Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | Nanjing | China | Recruiting |
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.