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Review
. 2014 Mar;1841(3):319-22.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.08.012. Epub 2013 Aug 29.

The roles of cutaneous lipids in host defense

Carol L Fischer  1 , Derek R Blanchette  1 , Kim A Brogden  1 , Deborah V Dawson  1 , David R Drake  1 , Jennifer R Hill  2 , Philip W Wertz  3
Affiliations
Review

The roles of cutaneous lipids in host defense

Carol L Fischer et al. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Mar.

Abstract

Lauric acid (C12:0) and sapienic acid (C16:1Δ6) derived from human sebaceous triglycerides are potent antimicrobials found at the human skin surface. Long-chain bases (sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine and 6-hydroxysphingosine) are also potent and broad-acting antimicrobials normally present at the skin surface. These antimicrobials are generated through the action of ceramidases on ceramides from the stratum corneum. These natural antimicrobials are thought to be part of the innate immune system of the skin. Exogenously providing these lipids to the skin may provide a new therapeutic option, or could potentially provide prophylaxis in people at risk of infection. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The Important Role of Lipids in the Epidermis and their Role in the Formation and Maintenance of the Cutaneous Barrier. Guest Editors: Kenneth R. Feingold and Peter Elias.

Keywords: Antimicrobial; Dihydrosphingosine; Lauric acid; Phytosphingosine; Sapienic acid; Sphingosine.

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References

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