Meet senior researcher Anna Sophie Quaade
MD, PhD, senior researcher
National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital
https://www.videncenterforallergi.dk/
Head of center: Professor Jeanne Duus Johansen
What is your research project about?
Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a very common skin disease that can have different causes, including atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis. However, the molecular patterns of CHE across its various subtypes remain poorly understood, thereby limiting the development of targeted treatments.
In my PhD research, I investigated the molecular profile of CHE by analyzing skin and blood samples collected from more than 100 eczema patients and 40 healthy individuals.
We found that CHE was associated with skin barrier impairment along with a dysregulated, heterogenous immune response that showed strong activations of Th1 and Th2 immune pathways. Our results indicated a largely shared lesional molecular endotype across the different subtypes and highlighted key molecular disease drivers that could serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Additionally, we found that severe CHE was also associated with systemic inflammation, beyond the local skin inflammation, and we characterized blood biomarkers that correlated with clinical CHE severity.
Overall, the findings enhance our understanding of CHE pathogenesis and suggest that many patients, regardless of the cause, may benefit from similar treatments.
What does it mean to part of a CAG?
Being a member of CAG Allergy has enabled valuable collaborations with researchers at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen, including a one-month exchange. The experience provided access to advanced bioinformatic techniques and deeper immunological insights, strengthening my research.
As a clinician, gaining this scientific foundation has enhanced my understanding of disease mechanisms and helped translate research findings.
