3D Model for Chronic Nerve Pain After Shingles
- Würzburg, Germany - May 8, 2025 - A novel three-dimensional skin model is being developed to investigate the underlying causes of chronic nerve pain following shingles, offering a...
- The EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant, a prestigious award totaling 36,000 euros, will enable Karl-Schöller to create an "inner fourth in vitro skin model for postherpetic neuralgia" (PHN).
- The European pain Federation (EFIC), in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company Grünenthal, supports young researchers dedicated to improving the lives of individuals suffering from chronic pain.Karl-Schöller, along with...
3D Skin Model Offers Hope for Chronic Nerve Pain Research
Table of Contents
- 3D Skin Model Offers Hope for Chronic Nerve Pain Research
- 3D Skin Model offers Hope for Chronic nerve Pain Research: Q&A
- What is Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)?
- What Causes Postherpetic Neuralgia?
- How Common is Postherpetic Neuralgia?
- What is the 3D Skin Model, and How can it Help with PHN Research?
- Who is Franziska Karl-Schöller, and What’s Her Role in This Research?
- What is the EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant?
- How Will the 3D Skin Model work?
- What are the Goals of the Research?
- Who is supporting the research?
- What are the key steps in the research?
- Why is This Research Critically important?
- What Are the Potential Benefits of This Research?
- Key Aspects of the 3D Skin Model Research
Würzburg, Germany – May 8, 2025 – A novel three-dimensional skin model is being developed to investigate the underlying causes of chronic nerve pain following shingles, offering a potential pathway to new therapies. franziska Karl-Schöller, a researcher at the University Hospital Würzburg, has been awarded the EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant to support this innovative project.
EFIC-Grünenthal Grant Fuels Pain Research
The EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant, a prestigious award totaling 36,000 euros, will enable Karl-Schöller to create an “inner fourth in vitro skin model for postherpetic neuralgia” (PHN). This model aims to replicate the complex interactions between nerve cells and skin cells infected with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the culprit behind both chickenpox and shingles.
The European pain Federation (EFIC), in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company Grünenthal, supports young researchers dedicated to improving the lives of individuals suffering from chronic pain.Karl-Schöller, along with researchers from Belgium and Great Britain, presented her project at the EFIC Pain in Europe Congress in Lyon, France, in April 2025, securing the grant amidst stiff competition.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Postherpetic Neuralgia
PHN is a debilitating chronic pain condition that can arise as a complication of shingles. shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of VZV, which remains dormant in the body after a chickenpox infection. While the shingles rash typically heals, a significant percentage of patients, between 10 and 15 percent, experience persistent nerve pain long after the rash disappears. The reasons behind this lingering pain remain unclear.
A 3D model for In-Depth Analysis
Karl-Schöller’s research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms driving PHN. Her approach involves constructing a three-dimensional in-vitro model using healthy human skin cells. These cells will then be introduced to human sensory nerve cells previously infected with VZV. Once the skin models are successfully innervated, a comprehensive analysis will be conducted.
the researchers plan to compare gene expression patterns between infected and non-infected skin models to identify mRNA signatures associated with PHN pain. Promising biomarkers will then be further investigated at the protein level.
Hope for Innovative Therapies
According to Karl-Schöller, the ultimate goal is to “gain new insights into the underlying mechanisms of the PHN and thus find possible approaches to innovative therapies that could provide the affected relief.”
The research project receives additional support from Prof. Jochen Bodem at the Institute of Virology and Immunobiology and Prof. Florian Groeber-Becker from
3D Skin Model offers Hope for Chronic nerve Pain Research: Q&A
What is Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)?
Postherpetic Neuralgia, or PHN, is a debilitating chronic pain condition.ItS a complication that can arise after a shingles outbreak. Even after the shingles rash heals, some individuals continue to experience persistent nerve pain.
What Causes Postherpetic Neuralgia?
PHN is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. The virus can remain dormant in the body after a chickenpox infection. If reactivated,it causes shingles. In some cases, the reactivation of VZV leads to PHN, even after the shingles rash disappears.
How Common is Postherpetic Neuralgia?
While the exact numbers may vary, studies suggest that between 10 and 15 percent of people who have shingles will develop PHN.This means that a significant number of individuals who experience shingles will suffer from chronic nerve pain.
What is the 3D Skin Model, and How can it Help with PHN Research?
Researchers are developing a novel three-dimensional skin model. This model aims to replicate the complex interactions between nerve cells and skin cells infected with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This model can help researchers investigate the underlying causes of chronic nerve pain following shingles. It offers a potential pathway to new therapies.
Who is Franziska Karl-Schöller, and What’s Her Role in This Research?
Franziska Karl-Schöller is a researcher at the University Hospital Würzburg in Germany. She has been awarded the EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant to support this innovative project focused on creating a 3D skin model for PHN research.
What is the EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant?
The EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant is a prestigious award given to support research into chronic pain. The grant provides funding to young researchers,like Karl-Schöller,enabling them to make advancements in their area of study.
How Will the 3D Skin Model work?
The 3D model will be created by using healthy human skin cells and introducing them to human sensory nerve cells that have been infected with VZV. Researchers plan to analyze differences in gene expression between infected and non-infected skin models to identify biomarkers related to PHN.
What are the Goals of the Research?
The primary goal is to understand the mechanisms that cause PHN.By gaining new insights into these underlying mechanisms, researchers hope to discover potential innovative therapies to offer pain relief for those affected by PHN. Ultimately, the researchers aim to find new and more effective ways to treat and manage the chronic pain associated with the disease.
Who is supporting the research?
The research project receives additional support from Prof. Jochen Bodem at the Institute of Virology and Immunobiology and Prof. Florian Groeber-Becker.
What are the key steps in the research?
- Construct a 3D in-vitro model using healthy human skin cells.
- Introduce healthy skin cells to human sensory nerve cells previously infected with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
- Analyze the skin models.
- Compare gene expression patterns between infected and non-infected models.
- Identify mRNA signatures associated with PHN.
- Investigate promising biomarkers at the protein level.
Why is This Research Critically important?
PHN can substantially impact the quality of life for those affected. the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of chronic nerve pain through the use of a novel 3D skin model. This research could lead to new and better treatments that can provide much-needed relief to individuals suffering from this pain and improve their quality of life.
What Are the Potential Benefits of This Research?
the progress of the 3D skin model offers the potential for:
- A better understanding of the mechanisms behind PHN.
- Identification of new therapeutic targets.
- The development of more effective treatments for PHN.
Key Aspects of the 3D Skin Model Research
Here’s a summary of the project:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Lead | Franziska Karl-Schöller |
| Grant | EFIC-Grünenthal-Grant (36,000 euros) |
| Focus | Develop ‘inner fourth in vitro skin model’ for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) |
| Goal | Find potential approaches to innovative therapies that could provide relief |