How the skin microbiome affects skin oil and immune response

Skin microbiome regulation of the sebum-immune axis

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10925343

This study is looking at how the tiny bacteria on our skin and our immune system work together to control the oil our skin makes, which could help us understand and improve skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10925343 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between the skin microbiome and the immune system's regulation of sebum production, which is the oil secreted by skin glands. It aims to understand how immune cells interact with the skin microbiome to enhance skin barrier function and overall skin health. By studying mice with different microbiome conditions, the researchers will explore how these interactions influence sebum secretion and immune responses. This could lead to new insights into skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or eczema.

Not a fit: Patients with skin conditions unrelated to immune responses or sebum production may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for skin conditions by harnessing the skin microbiome to improve skin health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome in skin health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.