Domesticating skin bacteria: a new frontier for precision biotherapeutics

Researchers have successfully engineered Cutibacterium acnes, the most abundant bacterium in the human skin microbiome, to serve as a living therapeutic platform for treating various dermatological conditions. This study details the development of a novel suite of genetic tools designed to «domesticate» this commensal microbe, enabling it to deliver targeted treatments safely, sustainably, and cost-effectively. As a highly successful proof of concept, the team engineered a bacterial strain capable of producing and releasing antioxidants in a tightly controlled manner, successfully protecting skin cells from UV radiation and paving the way for a new generation of living, microbiome-based skincare and medical treatments.

Reference:
Nevot G, Güell M (2025). Synthetically programmed antioxidant delivery by a domesticated skin commensal. Cell Systems, 16(2), 10116. DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2025.01.002