How a natural skin peptide helps protect against infections
Cathelicidin in Skin Immunity
This project looks at whether boosting a natural skin protein called cathelicidin helps people’s skin fight bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261223 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear about how cathelicidin, a protein made in the skin, helps kill bacteria and control inflammation. Researchers will study how cathelicidin works in skin cells and tissues, test factors that raise or lower its levels, and explore approaches that might increase its protective action. Work may include lab experiments with skin samples, molecular tests, and collaborations with clinics to link laboratory findings to human skin conditions. The team aims to find ways to strengthen the skin’s own defenses against bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent bacterial skin infections, chronic nonhealing wounds, or other skin conditions linked to weak skin immunity would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with infections that do not involve the skin or with conditions unrelated to skin immunity are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that boost natural skin defenses to prevent or treat bacterial skin infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show cathelicidin can kill bacteria and be increased by certain compounds, but turning that knowledge into proven patient treatments is still early.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallo, Richard L — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Gallo, Richard L
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 below.