Investigating how the microbiome, fat metabolism, and immune response contribute to acne
Official title: Acne: a disease of lipid metabolism, microbiome and the immune response
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10913496 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria on our skin, the way our body processes fats, and our immune system all work together to cause acne, and it's for anyone who wants to understand more about what triggers their breakouts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,089,937 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AR080594-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913496 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing moderate to severe acne who are willing to provide skin samples for analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acne who are already receiving effective treatment or those with mild acne may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between the skin's microbiome, lipid metabolism, and the immune response in relation to acne. By analyzing samples from patients, researchers aim to understand how specific bacteria, particularly Cutibacterium acnes, and immune cells contribute to acne development. Advanced techniques like single cell RNA-sequencing and spatial-seq will be used to identify distinct cell populations in acne lesions. The goal is to create a comprehensive model that explains the biological processes involved in acne pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that target the underlying causes of acne rather than just the symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome and immune response in skin conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Acne: how skin oils, bacteria, and the immune system interact
A UC system grant is exploring how acne develops by looking at skin oils, skin bacteria, and the body’s immune response to help find new ways to prevent or treat acne.
-
Acne: how skin bacteria, fats, and immunity drive lesions
A large NIH-funded effort at UCLA/UCSD is studying how skin bacteria, fat metabolism, and the immune system interact to cause acne, with plans to translate findings into better treatments.
-
Spironolactone vs doxycycline for acne in women
A multi-center trial compares spironolactone and doxycycline to treat acne in adult women to find which works better with fewer side effects.
-
Novel endolysins to target Cutibacterium acnes for acne treatment
A small research grant is developing a highly specific enzyme therapy to kill the acne-causing bacteria without disturbing good skin or gut bacteria.
-
Th17 extracellular traps and skin bacteria in acne health
A study in people with acne aims to understand how specific skin bacteria and immune cells interact to fight acne-causing germs and how this could lead to better treatments.
-
New bacteria-targeting enzymes to fight acne
Developing species-specific enzymes to remove the acne-causing bacterium Cutibacterium acnes for people with acne.
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.