Cutibacterium acnes cell membrane and associated proteins (C. acnes membrane)

Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium that resides primarily within the human pilosebaceous unit (Scholz & Kilian, 2016). Its cell membrane and associated proteins play a critical role in its survival and pathogenicity, serving as a barrier, a site for nutrient acquisition, and a platform for the secretion of virulence factors such as lipases, proteases, and CAMP factors (Mak et al., 2013). These membrane-associated enzymes degrade sebum into free fatty acids, which irritate the follicular wall and trigger an inflammatory response characteristic of acne vulgaris (Fitz-Gibbon et al., 2013). Therapeutic strategies targeting the C. acnes membrane include the use of oxidizing agents like benzoyl peroxide, which induce non-specific oxidative damage to membrane lipids and proteins (Kircik, 2013). Additionally, azelaic acid and certain antibiotics interfere with the synthesis and function of these membrane components to reduce bacterial fitness. Understanding the composition and function of the C. acnes membrane is vital for developing treatments that can selectively reduce bacterial colonization and mitigate inflammation while preserving the skin's natural microbiome (Dréno et al., 2018). This target complex is central to the pathophysiology of acne and remains a primary focus for both topical and systemic dermatological interventions.

Other names

Propionibacterium acnes cell membraneC. acnes cytoplasmic membraneC. acnes surface proteinsC. acnes cell envelope

Direct oxidative disruption of the bacterial cell membrane, inhibition of membrane-associated enzymes, and interference with the synthesis of membrane-associated virulence factors.