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Review
. 2021 May 30;9(1):125.
doi: 10.1186/s40168-021-01062-5.

Challenges in exploring and manipulating the human skin microbiome

Manon Boxberger  1   2 , Valérie Cenizo  3 , Nadim Cassir  1   2 , Bernard La Scola  4   5   6
Affiliations
Review

Challenges in exploring and manipulating the human skin microbiome

Manon Boxberger et al. Microbiome. .

Abstract

The skin is the exterior interface of the human body with the environment. Despite its harsh physical landscape, the skin is colonized by diverse commensal microbes. In this review, we discuss recent insights into skin microbial populations, including their composition and role in health and disease and their modulation by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with a focus on the pathobiological basis of skin aging. We also describe the most recent tools for investigating the skin microbiota composition and microbe-skin relationships and perspectives regarding the challenges of skin microbiome manipulation. Video abstract.

Keywords: 3D skin models; Bacteria; Cosmetics; Culture; Diseases; Microbiome; Next-generation sequencing; Probiotics; Skin.

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Conflict of interest statement

M Boxberger received a PhD grant supported by the L’Occitane Society, V Cenizo is employed by L’Occitane Society. All other authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Skin microbiota, its roles, and its relationship with the immune system. The skin microbiota is composed of bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses, and mites (Demodex) that are related to the immune system through dialog with resident dendritic cells resulting from complement activation. a The immune system is enhanced by the quorum-sensing process between bacterial populations, which can limit the overgrowth of potential pathogens, or by the production of certain antibiotics, such as lugdunin (c). Microbiotic homeostasis is dependent on the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) both by bacteria themselves and by host cells, such as keratinocytes and sebocytes (b and d).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Factors influencing the composition and function of the human skin microbiota and its function. The skin microbiota is shaped by numerous factors: extrinsic (such as lifestyle that embodies occupation, hygiene routine, use of drugs and cosmetics) and intrinsic (genetics, aging, sex, site of the body, etc.) These factors influence the roles of the skin microbiota, implying protection against potential pathogens or climate perturbation as well as the maintenance of skin integrity.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Skin features associated with aging
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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