Cutibacterium acnes surface antigens

Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is a major component of the human skin microbiome but is also implicated in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. The cell envelope of C. acnes contains various unique surface molecules, including Christie-Atkins-Munch-Petersen (CAMP) factors, sialidases, and surface-anchored proteins like dermatan-sulfate adhesins (DsA1 and DsA2), which serve as key virulence factors (Grange et al., 2017). These molecules facilitate bacterial adhesion to host cells, degradation of host tissues, and induction of inflammatory responses through the activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Therapeutic strategies, such as the development of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, aim to target these surface antigens to neutralize their pathogenic effects and reduce inflammation without broadly eliminating the commensal population (Nakatsuji et al., 2008). For instance, vaccines targeting CAMP factor 2 have shown promise in reducing C. acnes-induced inflammation in preclinical models, and Sanofi is currently developing an acne vaccine in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego, based on these targets.

Other names

Unique surface molecules on Cutibacterium acnes cell envelopeCutibacterium acnes cell envelope proteinsCAMP factorsSialidasesDermatan-sulfate adhesinsDsA1DsA2

Neutralization of bacterial virulence factors (such as CAMP factor 2 and sialidases), inhibition of bacterial adhesion to host keratinocytes, and induction of protective immune responses including opsonophagocytosis.