Investigating how the microbiome, fat metabolism, and immune response contribute to acne

Acne: a disease of lipid metabolism, microbiome and the immune response

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10913496

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10913496 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing moderate to severe acne who are willing to provide skin samples for analysis.

Not a fit: Patients with acne who are already receiving effective treatment or those with mild acne may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Los Angeles, 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.