Cutibacterium acnes cell wall and associated proteins

The cell wall of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a distinctive, thick Gram-positive structure composed of peptidoglycan and unique lipids, especially phosphatidylinositol and triacylglycerol, supplemented by associated cell surface and secreted proteins, such as lipases and CAMP factors[2][4][7]. These components serve key roles in structural support, immune evasion, enzymatic modification of the skin environment, and biofilm formation, which increases bacterial resistance to both host immune responses and many antibiotics[1][2][4]. C. acnes cell wall proteins include multiple virulence factors (e.g., lipases, proteases, hyaluronate lyase, sialidase, CAMP factors, and dermatan-sulfate adhesins) that contribute to its pathogenicity in acne vulgaris and implant-associated infections[2][4]. Secreted and surface proteins such as RoxP and CAMP factors also modulate cutaneous immunity and inflammation[2][4]. The biofilm matrix of C. acnes, largely composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA, further protects the bacterium within skin gland hollows or on medical devices[1][4]. Given its role in skin homeostasis as well as in disease, the cell wall and associated proteins are important both as therapeutic targets and as cautionary paradigms for the development of persistent infection and antibiotic resistance.

Other names

Cutibacterium acnes cell envelopeC. acnes cell wallPropionibacterium acnes cell wallC. acnes-associated proteinsCutibacterium acnes surface proteinsC. acnes membrane proteins

Antibiotic inhibition of protein synthesis (ribosomal binding) Disruption of cell wall synthesis Increased reactive oxygen species (by benzoyl peroxide)