Human skin microbiota in health and disease

Abstract

Cutaneous microbial composition is driven by the microenvironment of the skin, as well as by internal and external factors. Local changes in the microenvironment can affect the configuration of the community, which may lead toward an imbalance of microbiota. Alterations in the microbial profile are common in both inflammatory skin diseases and chronic infections. A shift in balance within the microbiota, toward limited variation and a greater abundance of specific pathogens, may further worsen the pathogenicity of the diseases. These alterations may be prevented by topical treatment of probiotic solutions stimulating a balanced multispecies community. Compositional variations may further constitute potential biomarkers to predict flares or monitor efficacy during therapy. New approaches such as machine learning may contribute to this prediction of microbial alterations prior to the development of chronic infections and flares. This review provides insight into the composition and distribution of a healthy community of microorganisms in the skin and draws parallels with the community in chronic infections and chronic inflammatory skin diseases such acne vulgaris and Hidradenitis Suppurativa. We discuss the potential role of specific species in the pathogenesis and the possible prevention of disease exacerbation.

BacSp222 bacteriocin as a novel ligand for TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer

“…The number of bacteria cells living in the average human body is roughly equal to the number of somatic cells and almost each bacterial species can produce at least one kind of bacteriocin [27]. These molecules appear to be critical factors in uencing the proper microbiome composition of the skin, mucous membranes, as well as gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts [11]. The current interest in bacteriocins is mainly related to their potential use as antibacterial compounds and antibiotic substitutes.…”

“…All bacteriocins are synthesized on ribosomes, and this fact fundamentally distinguish them from peptide antibiotics -which are synthesized on specialized enzyme complexes, called non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) [10]. It is estimated that almost every bacterial specie can produce at least one kind of bacteriocins, and, assuming such widespread prevalence, these molecules appear to be critical factors in uencing the proper microbiome composition of the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts [11]. In recent years our studies have focused on bacteriocins produced by staphylococci -widespread residents and opportunistic pathogens of the skin and mucous membranes of humans and many animals.…”

Advancements in microfluidics for skin cosmetic screening

“…Most severe inflammatory skin diseases are caused by various microbial infections, among which Propionibacterium acnes is also a major cause of inflammatory skin diseases such as cutaneous acne, especially when the skin is damaged. 100 Synthetic anti-biotics have been used to treat various diseases caused by bacteria; however, they may lead to side effects such as pathogen resistance and irritation-related damage to the skin, 34,66,101 hence there is a need for drugs or cosmetics that are safer than antibiotics and have fewer side effects. However, for evaluating dermatological drugs or cosmetics, in vitro human skin tissue traditionally constructed on Transwell has inefficient screening capabilities due to its fragile barrier function.…”

3D bioprinting strategies and their application in studies in vivo and in vitro animal models for skin regeneration: a concise systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The microextrusion method makes use of mechanical or pneumatic extrusion of spheres of materials composed of cells mixed with hydrogels, the compound is chemically or physically solidified to form the 3D construct. Microextrusion enables a wide variety of biomaterials, including materials with high viscosity and density, but in general, they have lower cell viability than the inkjet printer method [2][3][4].…”

“…Annually, 50% of medical expenses worldwide stem from damage to the body's tissues and organs. Large skin defects can be caused by tumor excision, venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and burns [3,4].…”