Microbiome-host interaction in skin homeostasis and inflammation (A01)

• Subject Area: Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology ; Dermatology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 246807620

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.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 156: The skin as sensor and effector orchestrating local and systemic immunity
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Andreas Peschel; Professorin Dr. Birgit Schittek