Atopic dermatitis
Biologicals, Eczema, Itch
Research aim
By combining clinical and translational research the goal of our research is to improve personalized treatment of adult and pediatric atopic dermatitis patients . The ultimate goal is to achieve disease modification and prevent atopic comorbidities.
About us
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in both adults and children. The pathophysiology of AD involves a complex interplay between a dysregulated immune system, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, skin barrier dysfunction and microbial imbalance. Approximately 20% of AD patients experience severe disease activity, needing systemic treatment. From 2018, biologics and Janus kinase (JAK)-inhibitors became available leading to a breakthrough in patientcare.
Our research group involves clinical and translational research in AD. We collaborate with several partners, including the Center for Translational Immunology (Group van Wijk) and the Julius Center of Health Science.
For clinical research we collaborate with 4 University hospitals and >12 peripheral hospitals in the Netherlands (BioDay registry) and with partners abroad. Besides the BioDay registry, the UMCU has a Biobank in which blood samples (including serum, plasma, DNA and peripheral blood mononuclear cells), swabs and skin biopsies are stored. The BioDay registry and biobank enable further investigation in translational research questions regarding parts of unknown pathomechanisms in AD and/or drug-related side effects, but also in evaluating and predicting treatment response. These, and other research initiatives in daily practice cohorts are highly important to evaluate the effectiveness and safety, both short- and long-term, of new AD drugs in a real-world population.