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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
A Mouse Model for Pathogen-induced Chronic Inflammation at Local and Systemic Sites
Published on: August 8, 2014
Efficacy of Bacteriophages in Propionibacterium acnes-Induced Inflammation in Mice
Min Ji Kim1, Dong Hyuk Eun1, Seok Min Kim1
1Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea.
Background:
Bacteriophages have been introduced as living drugs for infectious diseases; thus, they may provide an alternative to conventional acne therapeutics in patients with non-responsive acne.
Objective:
We investigated the effect of bacteriophages using an acne mouse model with Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammatory nodules by clinical examination, pathology, and immunohistochemical analysis.
Methods:
A human-isolated P. acnes suspension (109 colony forming units/µl) was injected into the backs of HR-1 mice. Group A was used as a control, Group B was injected on the back with P. acnes 4 weeks following the initial P. acnes suspension injection, and group C was injected on the back with P. acnes and bacteriophages 4 weeks following the initial P. acnes suspension injection. Clinical and histopathological evaluations were performed.
Results:
Inflammatory nodule size decreased with time in all groups. Group C showed the greatest decrease in size, followed by group B and group A. The histopathological findings showed a decrease in epidermal thickness and the number and size of microcomedone-like cysts in groups B and C compared to group A. Immunohistochemistry revealed similar expression of integrin α6, the epidermal proliferation marker, infiltration of CD4/CD8 T cells and neutrophils, and expression of myeloperoxidase, interleukin-1β, toll-like receptor-2, LL-37, and matrix metalloproteinase-2/3/9 in all three groups.
Conclusion:
Using an acne mouse model with P. acnes-induced inflammatory nodules, we demonstrate that bacteriophages may constitute an alternative to conventional acne therapies. However, additional studies are needed for human applications.
Insights
Bacteriophages show promise as an alternative acne therapy. In a mouse model, bacteriophage treatment significantly reduced inflammatory nodule size and severity caused by Propionibacterium acnes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Therapeutics
Background:
- Bacteriophages are emerging as potential antimicrobial agents for infectious diseases.
- They offer a possible alternative to traditional acne treatments, especially for resistant cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of bacteriophages in an acne mouse model.
- To assess the impact of bacteriophages on Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammatory lesions.
Main Methods:
- An acne mouse model was established using Propionibacterium acnes injections.
- Mice were divided into control, P. acnes-only, and P. acnes plus bacteriophage groups.
- Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted.
Main Results:
- Bacteriophage treatment (Group C) resulted in the greatest reduction in inflammatory nodule size.
- Histopathology revealed decreased epidermal thickness and fewer microcomedone-like cysts in bacteriophage-treated groups.
- Key inflammatory markers and immune cell infiltration showed similar expression across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophages demonstrate potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for acne.
- Further research is necessary to validate these findings for human application.
