# Mechanisms of Engineered Nanomaterial Modulation of Skin Immune Responses

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2021 · $353,596

## Abstract

Project Summary
This project builds on our novel finding that topically applied engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) can
modulate allergic immune responses in skin. Using a contact hypersensitivity (CHS) mouse model we
discovered that some ENMs suppress skin inflammation which is therapeutically relevant and others
exacerbate allergic symptoms suggesting an increased hazard for cutaneous ENM exposure
particularly for individuals whom suffer with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In fact, 15-20% of the
US population is diagnosed with ACD which accounts for 95% of reported occupational skin disease
and is the third most common reason patients visit a dermatologist. With the expanding industrial and
consumer use of ENMs there is a growing risk that individuals with ACD may simultaneously come
into skin contact with environmental allergens or chemical sensitizers and ENMs through use of nano-
enabled products or from occupational exposures. The primary goal of this project is to understand
the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how ENMs modulate allergic skin immune responses for
which little is currently understood. We have defined an early time window of action within which
ENMs exert their effects and our data suggests an important connection with mast cells (MCs). The
central hypothesis of this project is that ENMs exert immunomodulatory effects in skin
allergic responses by altering early MC activation. We will examine how ENMs alter the
mechanisms of MC activation and their cross talk with other epidermal cell types using innovative live
mouse intravital imaging and common techniques in novel ways. A panel of in vitro assays are
proposed to further examine if ENMs exert a direct effect on MCs or act indirectly by altering
paracrine signals generated by other epidermal cell types thereby suppressing or exacerbating the
CHS elicitation response. This project will generate knowledge needed to assess the risk/benefit of
unintended/intended ENM skin exposure and generate novel approaches for preventing allergic skin
inflammation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10059244
- **Project number:** 5R01ES021492-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Lisa A DeLouise
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $353,596
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2012-06-05 → 2022-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10059244

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10059244, Mechanisms of Engineered Nanomaterial Modulation of Skin Immune Responses (5R01ES021492-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10059244. Licensed CC0.

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