How skin bacteria affect a key skin-cell receptor (AHR)
Microbial regulation of the keratinocyte AHR
This research looks at whether natural skin bacteria and the molecules they make can help strengthen the skin barrier and protect people with atopic dermatitis and other skin problems from infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300962 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are identifying molecules made by skin bacteria that turn on the AHR receptor in skin cells and studying how those signals affect skin barrier repair and defense. They will use lab experiments and animal models to see which microbial compounds improve skin cell differentiation, tight junctions, and antimicrobial responses. Promising microbial ligands will be tested for their ability to speed barrier recovery after injury and reduce infections. The long-term goal is to translate those findings into new microbe-based or molecule-based treatments for barrier dysfunction in conditions like atopic dermatitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with atopic dermatitis, chronic barrier dysfunction, or recurrent skin infections would be the most relevant candidates for related future therapies or trials.
Not a fit: People without skin barrier problems or those seeking immediate, approved treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments derived from skin microbes that strengthen the skin barrier and lower infection risk for people with eczema and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies suggest AHR activation by microbes can affect skin barrier, but using identified microbial ligands as therapies is largely new and has not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grice, Elizabeth Anne — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Grice, Elizabeth Anne
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.