Exploring how skin bacteria can improve immune responses
Official title: Probing and engineering the B cell response to the skin microbiota
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10985772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the good bacteria on our skin can help boost our immune system to fight infections better, with the goal of creating easier-to-use vaccines that could help people stay healthy without needing regular shots.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $131,085 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AI180358-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are interested in improving their immune response to infections, particularly those who may benefit from mucosal vaccines.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by bacterial infections or do not have a need for enhanced mucosal immunity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria that naturally live on our skin can enhance the immune system's ability to respond to infections. By understanding the relationship between these bacteria and our immune cells, particularly B cells, the project aims to develop a new type of vaccine that works effectively at the site of infection. This approach could lead to vaccines that are easier to distribute and use, especially in areas with limited resources. Patients may benefit from improved immunity against infections without the need for traditional injections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that provide better protection against infections at mucosal surfaces.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using microbiota to enhance immune responses, suggesting that this approach could be a viable and innovative strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bousbaine, Djenet — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Bousbaine, Djenet
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.