CUREDIT v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cutaneous Responses to Diphenylcyclopropenone to evaluate Immunomodulatory Therapeutics (CUREDIT)
IRAS ID
351712
Contact name
James Fullerton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to improve our understanding of how the human immune system responds to a controlled challenge. The research focuses on a chemical called diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), which is used as a “challenge agent” to trigger a mild, controlled immune response in healthy volunteers. DPCP is known to cause a localized allergic reaction when applied to the skin, allowing researchers to study the body’s immune processes in a safe and predictable way. While DPCP can cause contact allergies, it has a strong safety profile when used in clinical research, with adverse effects mostly limited to minor skin reactions.
The study will involve three stages: initial sensitization, dose-response assessment, and rechallenge. First, DPCP is applied to the skin to “sensitize” the participant. About a month later, various doses of DPCP are applied to determine the optimal dose for each individual—the smallest dose that triggers a clear skin response. This dose is then used for a series of follow-up applications (rechallenges) to observe the immune response over time.
The key innovation in this study is the use of advanced immunological techniques, including non-invasive imaging and small skin samples (punch skin biopsy), to examine how the immune response develops and resolves. By understanding these processes, researchers hope to build a valuable model for studying immune responses and testing new immunotherapy drugs in the future.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0288
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion