NCT04864886 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Metabolic Profiling of Immune Responses in Immune-mediated Diseases
What this study is about
Background: The immune system is the part of the body that fights infection. Some people have immune deficiencies that cause skin rashes, make them get sick often with infections, or make it difficult for their skin to heal. Researchers want to learn more to better treat conditions that affect immune response.
View original scientific description
Background: The immune system is the part of the body that fights infection. Some people have immune deficiencies that cause skin rashes, make them get sick often with infections, or make it difficult for their skin to heal. Researchers want to learn more to better treat conditions that affect immune response. Objective: To learn about how the immune system and skin healing are related to each other. Eligibility: People ages 18-75 with primary immune deficiency, eczema, or psoriasis. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will be screened with a medical and medicine history and a physical exam. They may take a pregnancy test. Participants will discuss the medicines or supplements they take as well as skin products they use, such as soaps and lotions. Participants will have up to 4 skin biopsies taken from the forearm. A needle will inject an anesthetic into the skin where the biopsy will be done. A sharp tool that looks like a tiny cookie cutter will be used to remove a round plug of skin a bit smaller than the tip of a pencil. Participants will give at least 1 blood sample. Participants may have optional skin swab collection. A cotton swab will be used to swab the skin on the arm. Participants may have optional skin tape collection. A sticky strip of tape will be placed on the arm and then removed. Participants may give leftover samples taken as part of their regular medical care. Participation will last for about 4 days. Participants will have 2 visits that each last about 1 hour. They may be asked to repeat the study in the future.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Meets one of the following:
- Has documentation of PID confirmed by genetic evaluation demonstrating a deleterious variant in the gene (or genes) known to be associated with immune deficiency (confirmed PID); or
- Has documented variant of undetermined significance in a gene (or genes) that is predicted to be deleterious in immune function by the investigators OR a clinical history of infections which are more frequent, more chronic, or more severe than normal (suspected PID); or
- Has physician-diagnosed psoriasis; or
- Has physician-diagnosed AD; or
- Does not have clinically apparent evidence of any monogenic or digenic immune defect, AD, or psoriasis (healthy volunteers).
- Aged 18 to 75 years.
- Willing to allow storage of blood, biopsy tissue, bacterial and fungal cultures, and any other samples collected for future research.
- Able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Current or prior (within 3 months) anticoagulant or anti-platelet therapy (other than aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Current or prior (within 3 months) use of immunomodulatory drugs (eg, chemotherapy, steroids), except if approved by the principal investigator.
- History of keloid formation.
- Pregnancy, lactating, or breastfeeding.
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, contraindicates participation in the study. Co-enrollment guidelines: Participants may be co-enrolled in other studies; however, study staff should be notified of co-enrollment.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations