Cellular macromolecules (Cutibacterium acnes)

Cellular macromolecules in Cutibacterium acnes encompass the essential proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids required for the bacterium's survival and pathogenicity. This collective target is primarily associated with the mechanism of action of benzoyl peroxide, a widely used topical treatment for acne vulgaris (Mathew et al., 2023). Benzoyl peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent that penetrates the pilosebaceous unit and releases free radical oxygen species. These radicals non-specifically attack and oxidize various bacterial macromolecules, leading to the disruption of the bacterial cell wall and metabolic processes (Milosz & Kircik, 2020). Because this mechanism targets a broad range of cellular components rather than a single enzyme or receptor, it is highly effective at reducing C. acnes populations and carries a low risk of inducing bacterial resistance (Walsh et al., 2016). C. acnes itself plays a central role in acne by promoting inflammation and altering sebum composition, making its cellular integrity a key therapeutic focus (Dréno et al., 2018). The destruction of these macromolecules effectively halts the inflammatory cascade triggered by the bacteria within the follicle.

Other names

Bacterial macromoleculesC. acnes macromoleculesBacterial proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids

Non-specific oxidation of bacterial proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids via the release of reactive oxygen species.