Genotype-phenotype correlation in cutaneous allergy

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Genotype-phenotype correlation in adults with cutaneous allergy

  • IRAS ID

    266182

  • Contact name

    John McGrath

  • Contact email

    john.mcgrath@kcl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    King's College London

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    10 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Background

    Cutaneous allergy refers to a broad range of skin conditions mediated by inappropriate immune responses which produce itchy, erythematous rashes with or without scaling. They are common conditions, with an estimated point prevalence of 0.1-0.5% for chronic spontaneous urticaria and a similar estimated prevalence for allergic contact dermatitis. These conditions have a detrimental effect on quality of life as patients must control symptoms by avoiding precipitating allergens or by using oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids. Risk of these conditions may be related to genetic predisposition as studies report an increased frequency amongst first degree relatives of affected individuals. Furthermore, observed large differences in clinical severity may be related to underlying genetic determinants. It is therefore important that genetic determinants of cutaneous allergy are investigated and correlated with clinical phenotypes as findings may facilitate more personalized or novel treatments for patients in the future.

    Methods

    A UK and Irish research network will be established in order to allow recruitment of individuals with conditions related to cutaneous allergy. Site researchers will identify, recruit and consent potential participants before undertaking a thorough clinical examination and classification of their disease. Clinical information directly relevant to participants' diagnosis will be collected from their hospital notes. Living participants may be requested to donate blood, saliva or skin samples. Further samples may be derived from the St. John's Institute of Dermatology Research Tissue bank. DNA will be extracted from the blood/skin samples. Blood and skin samples will also be analysed for biochemical and protein contents. Gene mutation analysis will be performed on the DNA samples and analysed for relationship to the clinical phenotype. All data collected will be anonymised, used for the purpose of this study only, and analysed by the coordinating site/Chief Investigator adhering to strict national/international standards of privacy, security and confidentiality.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    19/EM/0312

  • Date of REC Opinion

    22 Oct 2019

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion