Selective targeting of skin pathobionts and inflammation with topically applied lactobacilli

• Published in: Cell reports. Medicine Vol. 3; no. 2; p. 100521
• Main Authors: Lebeer, Sarah, Oerlemans, Eline F.M., Claes, Ingmar, Henkens, Tim, Delanghe, Lize, Wuyts, Sander, Spacova, Irina, van den Broek, Marianne F.L., Tuyaerts, Ines, Wittouck, Stijn, De Boeck, Ilke, Allonsius, Camille N., Kiekens, Filip, Lambert, Julien
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 15-02-2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acne Vulgaris - therapy; Humans; Inflammation; Lactobacillus; Propionibacterium acnes; Skin
• ISSN: 2666-3791; 2666-3791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100521

Tailored skin microbiome modulation approaches with probiotics are highly challenging. Here, we show that lactobacilli are underestimated members of the skin microbiota. We select specific strains of nomadic lactobacilli for their functional applicability on the skin and capacity to inhibit growth and inflammation by skin pathobionts. The strains are formulated as microcapsules for topical formulations and tested in patients with mild-to-moderate acne. The selected lactobacilli are able to reduce inflammatory lesions in a pilot and placebo-controlled study. Daily application for 8 weeks is associated with an in vivo temporary modulation of the microbiome, including a reduction in relative abundance of staphylococci and Cutibacterium acnes, and an increase in lactobacilli. The reduction in inflammatory lesions is still apparent 4 weeks after the topical application of the lactobacilli ended, indicating a possible additional immunomodulatory effect. This study shows that carefully selected and formulated lactobacilli are a viable therapeutic option for common acne lesions.
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•Lactobacilli are underestimated members of the skin microbiota•Using lactobacilli in topical formulations is challenging but promising•Lactobacilli can reduce acne lesions after daily application on the skin
In their paper, Lebeer et al. describe that lactobacilli naturally occur on the skin and can be useful as probiotics for the skin. They carefully selected lactobacilli for microencapsulation and use in a topical cream and demonstrated its ability to modulate the skin microbiome and reduce acne symptoms.