Understanding how skin microbes interact with the body's immune system.

Decoding microbial-Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor interactions at the skin barrier interface

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11081214

This study is looking at how the tiny germs on our skin interact with a special protein that helps keep our skin healthy, especially for people dealing with conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea, to find better ways to protect and treat their skin.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11081214 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between skin microbes and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's protective barrier. By exploring how these microbes influence skin health, particularly in conditions like atopic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could enhance skin barrier function. The study will involve analyzing how environmental factors, such as UV radiation and pollutants, affect these microbial interactions and the skin's response. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for various skin disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, acne, or rosacea.

Not a fit: Patients with skin conditions unrelated to microbial interactions or those without any skin disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating skin conditions by enhancing the skin's barrier function.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome in skin health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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 2026-06-15 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.