The role of chemokines in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema

Objective

Atomic dermatitis (AD) is inflammatory skin disease with a high prevalence and increasing incidence. Cherokees have recently been identified as the key players of tissue-specific immune responses. We propose to apply state of the art knowledge, techniques and a unique murine model of AD to examine the role ofchemokines and their receptors in the pathogenesis of AD. We will:
I) characterizechemokines/receptors involved in disease initiation, progress and chronification.
II) Functional relevance of chamomiles/receptors will be determined in vivo by means of a murine AD model utilizing neutralizing antibodies and knockout mice. Finally,
III) Regulation of chamomile/receptor expression by external and intrinsic factors in AD will be explored. Results of this study will identify novel targets for the development of more selective treatments for AD with putatively less side effects and good patient compliance.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-4. - Key action Environment and Health

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI

Address

Haartmaninkau, 8
00014 Helsinki
Finland

Participants (4)

FINNISH INSTITUTE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Finland

Address

41 A,topeliuksenkatu 41 A
00250 Helsinki

HEINRICH-HEINE-UNIVERSITAET DUESSELDORF

Germany

Address

Moorenstrasse, 5
40225 Duesseldorf

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE

France

Address

26,Rue D'ulm 26 Institut Curie
75248 Paris

UNIVERSITY OF SZEGED

Hungary

Address

Koranyi Fasor 6 - Albert Szent-gyorgyi Medical And
6720 Szeged