Microbiome-host interaction in skin homeostasis and inflammation

01.07.2023 bis 30.06.2027

How microbiome members govern skin homeostasis or inflammation and how beneficial, ‘commensal’ skin bacteria can protect against Staphylococcus aureus colonization has remained elusive. We identified novel antagonistic bacterial interactions based on antimicrobial molecules such as lugdunin and epifadin. Staphylococcal membrane vesicles, lugdunin, and wall teichoic acid (WTA) polymers were identified as novel immunomodulatory bacterial agonists for skin cells. In addition, skin-infiltrating neutrophils were found to be able to enhance S. aureus skin colonization by a novel TLR4- and oxidative stress-based mechanism. How bacterial compounds govern the complex interplay of skin microbiome, innate immune cells, and keratinocytes and shape the susceptibility towards S. aureus colonization will be further elucidated in the next project phase.