From prebiotics to engineered microbes: microbe-inspired treatments for atopic dermatitis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease influenced by genetics, immune responses, and skin barrier dysfunction.
• Skin microbiota dysbiosis, particularly Staphylococcus aureus colonization, exacerbates AD severity by impairing the skin barrier and stimulating immune responses.
• Current antibiotic treatments for S. aureus in AD can disrupt beneficial commensal microbiota, impacting overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging therapies targeting the skin microbiome for atopic dermatitis (AD).
• To explore the potential of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and engineered live biotherapeutic products (eLBPs) in managing AD.
• To provide a perspective on harnessing synthetic biology for next-generation probiotics in AD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on atopic dermatitis, skin microbiome, and therapeutic interventions.
• Analysis of current treatment strategies and their impact on skin microbiota.
• Exploration of novel microbiome-based therapeutic approaches, including engineered bacteria.

Main Results:

• Dysbiosis and S. aureus colonization are key factors in AD pathogenesis.
• Microbiome-targeting therapies like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics show promise in reducing AD inflammation and infection.
• Engineered live biotherapeutic products (eLBPs) offer a future direction for personalized, on-demand AD treatment.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the skin microbiome presents a promising therapeutic avenue for atopic dermatitis.
• Microbiome modulation strategies can help restore skin barrier function and reduce inflammation.
• Engineered probiotics represent a novel frontier for advanced AD management.