Understanding how bacteria, fat metabolism, and the immune system contribute to acne
Official title: Acne: a disease of lipid metabolism, microbiome and the immune response
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10913491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria on your skin, the fats in your body, and your immune system all work together to cause acne, using skin samples to find out which cells and bacteria are involved, so we can better understand and treat this common skin condition.
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) | $1,559,201 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AR080594-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing moderate to severe acne who are willing to provide biopsy samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild acne or those who do not have acne may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between the skin microbiome, lipid metabolism, and the immune response in acne development. By analyzing acne biopsy specimens, scientists will explore how specific immune cells and bacteria contribute to the condition. The study utilizes advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to identify key cellular players involved in acne pathology. The goal is to develop a comprehensive model that explains how these factors work together to cause acne.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.