How skin immunity changes with aging and the skin microbiome
Official title: Skin immunity as a function of frailty, aging, and skin microbiome composition
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11239882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older and the bacteria on our skin affect our skin's ability to fight off infections, especially for older adults who are more at risk, and it aims to find ways to keep skin healthy and reduce the chances of infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $478,046 |
| NIH project number | 7U01AG084765-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11239882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who are healthy or frail.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those with specific skin conditions unrelated to aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging and the composition of the skin microbiome affect skin immunity and the body's response to infections. It focuses on older adults, who are more vulnerable to skin infections and related health issues. The study will use innovative techniques to sample skin and analyze immune responses in different age groups, including healthy younger adults, healthy older adults, and frail older adults. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to identify factors that contribute to skin health and infection susceptibility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating skin infections in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the skin microbiome can significantly impact skin health, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oh, Julia — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Oh, Julia
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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.