Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Host Defense Against Vaccinia Virus

AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by frequent viral skin infections. Recent studies have found that components in the skin of people with AD may block AMP expression. AMPs are responsible for preventing infection from viruses. The purpose of this study is to examine smallpox virus replication and AMP expression in the skin of patients with AD as well as identify other antiviral molecules involved in immune response. These findings will be compared with those of people with psoriasis or asthma, or healthy individuals. This study will consist of one study visit at which skin and blood samples will be taken.

Inclusion criteria

for Participants With AD:

• 2 years of age or older
• History of active or inactive AD OR eczema herpeticum, as defined by the ADVN standardized diagnostic criteria
• Parent or guardian willing to provide informed consent, if applicable
• Male or female of any race and ethnicity

Inclusion criteria

for Participants With Asthma or Psoriasis, and for non-atopic controls:

• 18 years or older
• History of psoriasis OR history of asthma not requiring systemic medications
• Parent or guardian willing to provide informed consent, if applicable
• Male or female of any race and ethnicity

Exclusion criteria

• Oral corticosteroids or any systemic immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medication within 28 days prior to study entry
• Immunotherapy within 3 months prior to study entry
• History of bleeding disorder
• Aspirin, oral antihistamines, oral antibiotics, oral cyclosporine, or topical medications within 7 days of screening visit including, but not restricted to, Protopic, Elidel, topical corticosteroids, and topical antibiotics
• Anxiolytic agents and antidepressants within 2 days of screening visit
• Diabetic requiring medication
• Autoimmune or immunodeficiency
• Active fungal, bacterial, or viral infections within 7 days prior to study entry
• Active systemic cancer. Participants with uncomplicated nonmelanoma skin cancer are not excluded.
• Theophylline or leukotriene antagonists within 24 hours of screening visit
• Received any vaccination within 30 days prior to study entry
• Known lidocaine allergy
• Previously vaccinated for smallpox
• Pregnant or breastfeeding