Understanding how specific enzymes from bacteria affect acne

Pathogenic and protective roles of strain-specific P. acnes hyaluronidases in acne

NIH-funded research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-10653696

This study is looking at how different types of acne-causing bacteria can affect your skin, especially by examining certain enzymes that can either make acne worse or help keep your skin healthy, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat acne.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10653696 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of different strains of the bacteria P. acnes in causing acne, focusing on specific enzymes called hyaluronidases. These enzymes can either promote inflammation, leading to acne, or reduce inflammation, contributing to healthy skin. The study will explore how these enzymes interact with the immune system and the skin's structure, using both clinical strains and genetically modified bacteria in a mouse model. The ultimate goal is to develop new strategies for preventing or treating acne based on these findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from acne vulgaris, particularly those who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with acne caused by factors unrelated to P. acnes or those who do not respond to bacterial treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively prevent or reduce acne.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of bacterial enzymes in skin conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area.

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.
Conditions DiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.