How skin oils, bacteria, and the immune system cause acne
Acne: a disease of lipid metabolism, microbiome and the immune response
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11178651
Researchers are exploring how skin oils, the bacteria on your skin, and immune cells interact in people with acne to find better treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11178651 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project compares skin from acne lesions and nearby clear skin to look for differences in bacteria, skin fats, and immune cells. Researchers use modern tools like single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing, microbiome (metagenomic) analysis, and lipid profiling to identify specific immune and fibroblast cell types in pimples. Lab experiments showed that a common skin oil, squalene, can change immune cells (TREM2 macrophages) and reduce oxygen-based killing of acne bacteria, which may help explain why lesions form. The team plans to combine these findings into a model that could point to new ways to prevent or treat acne.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with active acne who are willing to provide skin swabs or small skin samples and attend visits at UCLA/UCSD clinics.
Not a fit: People without active acne lesions, those whose main issue is only scarring with no current inflammation, or those unwilling to give skin samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target skin oils, specific bacteria, or immune cells to reduce pimples and inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked Cutibacterium acnes, sebum, and immune responses to acne, but combining single-cell, spatial, microbiome, and lipid analyses is a more novel approach.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MODLIN, ROBERT L — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: MODLIN, ROBERT 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.