Cutibacterium acnes cell membrane and intracellular components

Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium that resides within the pilosebaceous unit and is a key factor in the development of acne vulgaris [1]. The bacterial cell membrane and intracellular components, including ribosomes and metabolic enzymes, are the primary sites of action for various antimicrobial agents [2]. For instance, benzoyl peroxide acts as a non-specific oxidizing agent, disrupting the bacterial cell membrane and oxidizing intracellular proteins through the release of free radicals [3]. Systemic and topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin and minocycline, target intracellular components like the 50S and 30S ribosomal subunits to inhibit protein synthesis [4]. By targeting these structural and functional elements, therapeutic interventions aim to reduce bacterial colonization and the subsequent inflammatory response in the skin [5].

Other names

Propionibacterium acnes cell membraneC. acnes intracellular componentsBacterial cell wall of Cutibacterium acnesP. acnes cytoplasmic components

Antimicrobial agents targeting these components work through several mechanisms: benzoyl peroxide releases free radical oxygen to oxidize bacterial proteins and lipids; antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit to inhibit protein synthesis; tetracyclines bind to the 30S subunit; and azelaic acid inhibits protein synthesis and disrupts the membrane potential.