Understanding the Immune System's Role in Acne
Official title: Th17 extracellular trap-mediated antimicrobial host defense in acne vulgaris
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11123418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how our body's immune cells fight the bacteria that cause acne, hoping to find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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 6, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,228 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081337-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with acne vulgaris who are interested in contributing to basic science research that could inform future therapies might find this work relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this foundational research.
What this research studies
Acne is a common skin condition often linked to a specific type of bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes. Our immune system has special cells, called TH17 cells, that can release 'traps' to kill these bacteria. We've found that different types of C. acnes bacteria can change how these immune cells behave, either helping or hindering their ability to fight infection. This project aims to understand exactly how these immune traps work in acne and how the bacteria influence them. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to discover new targets for future acne treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for acne that target the immune system or use beneficial bacteria, offering more effective ways to manage the condition.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of TH17 cells and C. acnes in acne has been previously observed, the specific mechanisms of T cell extracellular trap formation and their biological impact in acne are currently unknown, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agak, George W — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Agak, George W
Related research
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This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your skin interact with the bacteria that causes acne, to find out how they can help clear up breakouts or make them worse, with the hope of discovering new ways to treat acne more effectively.
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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.
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.