Affiliation:
1. Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
2. Skin Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
Abstract
Our skin is the largest organ of the body, serving as an important barrier against the harsh extrinsic environment. Alongside preventing desiccation, chemical damage and hypothermia, this barrier protects the body from invading pathogens through a sophisticated innate immune response and co-adapted consortium of commensal microorganisms, collectively termed the microbiota. These microorganisms inhabit distinct biogeographical regions dictated by skin physiology. Thus, it follows that perturbations to normal skin homeostasis, as occurs with ageing, diabetes and skin disease, can cause microbial dysbiosis and increase infection risk. In this review, we discuss emerging concepts in skin microbiome research, highlighting pertinent links between skin ageing, the microbiome and cutaneous repair. Moreover, we address gaps in current knowledge and highlight key areas requiring further exploration. Future advances in this field could revolutionise the way we treat microbial dysbiosis associated with skin ageing and other pathologies.
Funder
PhD studentship from the British Skin Foundation
Subject
Inorganic Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,Computer Science Applications,Spectroscopy,Molecular Biology,General Medicine,Catalysis