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ROLE OF SUPERANTIGENS IN ATOPIC DERMATITIS

$32,212M01FY2000RRNIH

University Of Colorado Denver, Aurora CO

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Abstract

The goal of this protocol is to understand how bacteria, in particular staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), aggravates atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis, two of the most common skin diseases in the general population. Our data indicates that S. aureus produces toxins, called superantigens, which cause marked activation of the immune sytem. When these toxins are applied to otherwise normal appearing skin of patients with AD and psoriasis marked skin inflammation occurs. Further studies are planned to understand the mechansisms by which superantigens induce skin inflammation. These studies may lead to new strategies for treatment of AD and psoriasis.

View original record on NIH RePORTER →