How the skin microbiome affects skin oil and immune response
Official title: Skin microbiome regulation of the sebum-immune axis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10925343 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $663,034 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082256-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925343 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or eczema.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions unrelated to immune responses or sebum production may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kambayashi, Taku — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kambayashi, Taku
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.