600 JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE
higher traces of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, rosacea occurs when Demodex folliculorum
(mites) are present, the inverse fluctuation between Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus
epidermidis population levels is often observed in atopic dermatitis lesions, and the list goes
on.3 To further understand how to manipulate the skin’s microbiota in a positive way, and
to effectively repair the microbial unrest in the skin, cellular crosstalk must be examined.
The skin is composed of a physical barrier, a microbiome, and immunity cells that all
cohesively communicate through cellular networking. The crosstalk between these three
layers is ultimately what is responsible for the stress responses of the skin. The skin’s
microbiome is composed of a vast ecosystem, roughly 1.8 m2 of diverse habitats.4 This
incredibly diverse microbiota system must interact directly with the skin’s immune system,
which consists of keratinocytes, sebocytes, Langerhans cells, T-cell populations, and
dendritic cells. These immunity cells continuously respond to external factors by releasing
signals, such as antimicrobial peptides, that then have an influence on the microbiome
composition. As an example, the body can regulate which microbial species colonize
in certain areas. At the same time, these microbial species collaborate with the host to
eliminate other pathogenic species and, therefore, reduce inflammation or modulate basic
immune responses.5
THE ROLE OF DENDRITIC CELLS
Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells that are mainly responsible for the commencement
of immune responses.6 These cells work constantly to capture and relay data from external
sources to the cells of the adaptive immune system. Dendritic cells are not only crucial
for initiating the primary immune response but also for enhancing immunological
tolerance. While in an inactive state, dendritic cells travel from the bone marrow into the
bloodstream surveying the environment. In this process, they are capturing antigens, or
molecules that signal an immune response, even in areas where there is no inflammation or
signs of distress. This is how dendritic cells prepare for possible invasions. Therefore, when
pathogens ultimately enter the body, these previously inactive dendritic cells can effectively
diminish the invaders.
Dendritic cells send out signals when pathogens are detected and during this process, the
dendritic cells are going through cellular maturation, including functional and phenotypical
alterations.7,8 Due to this maturation, they are no longer surveying the environment but
are now focused on producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for
promoting cellular differentiation, regulating growth, and enhancing transportation of
the immune cells to the sites of infection.8 Once the dendritic cells arrive at the lymph
nodes, they present their antigens to T-cell zones, or white blood cells that are developed
in the bone marrow to fight infection. These T-cells then become activated by an infected
antigen-presenting cell, giving them the power to target any other cells infected with the
same pathogen.9 By initiating this immune response, the skin’s microbiome and barrier can
be effectively restored.
CURRENT ANALYTICAL MICROBIOME SEQUENCING METHODS
The microbiome landscape in the personal care industry is largely uncharted, presenting
a prime opportunity for brands to emerge as pioneers in microbiome modulation. To seize
higher traces of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, rosacea occurs when Demodex folliculorum
(mites) are present, the inverse fluctuation between Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus
epidermidis population levels is often observed in atopic dermatitis lesions, and the list goes
on.3 To further understand how to manipulate the skin’s microbiota in a positive way, and
to effectively repair the microbial unrest in the skin, cellular crosstalk must be examined.
The skin is composed of a physical barrier, a microbiome, and immunity cells that all
cohesively communicate through cellular networking. The crosstalk between these three
layers is ultimately what is responsible for the stress responses of the skin. The skin’s
microbiome is composed of a vast ecosystem, roughly 1.8 m2 of diverse habitats.4 This
incredibly diverse microbiota system must interact directly with the skin’s immune system,
which consists of keratinocytes, sebocytes, Langerhans cells, T-cell populations, and
dendritic cells. These immunity cells continuously respond to external factors by releasing
signals, such as antimicrobial peptides, that then have an influence on the microbiome
composition. As an example, the body can regulate which microbial species colonize
in certain areas. At the same time, these microbial species collaborate with the host to
eliminate other pathogenic species and, therefore, reduce inflammation or modulate basic
immune responses.5
THE ROLE OF DENDRITIC CELLS
Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells that are mainly responsible for the commencement
of immune responses.6 These cells work constantly to capture and relay data from external
sources to the cells of the adaptive immune system. Dendritic cells are not only crucial
for initiating the primary immune response but also for enhancing immunological
tolerance. While in an inactive state, dendritic cells travel from the bone marrow into the
bloodstream surveying the environment. In this process, they are capturing antigens, or
molecules that signal an immune response, even in areas where there is no inflammation or
signs of distress. This is how dendritic cells prepare for possible invasions. Therefore, when
pathogens ultimately enter the body, these previously inactive dendritic cells can effectively
diminish the invaders.
Dendritic cells send out signals when pathogens are detected and during this process, the
dendritic cells are going through cellular maturation, including functional and phenotypical
alterations.7,8 Due to this maturation, they are no longer surveying the environment but
are now focused on producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for
promoting cellular differentiation, regulating growth, and enhancing transportation of
the immune cells to the sites of infection.8 Once the dendritic cells arrive at the lymph
nodes, they present their antigens to T-cell zones, or white blood cells that are developed
in the bone marrow to fight infection. These T-cells then become activated by an infected
antigen-presenting cell, giving them the power to target any other cells infected with the
same pathogen.9 By initiating this immune response, the skin’s microbiome and barrier can
be effectively restored.
CURRENT ANALYTICAL MICROBIOME SEQUENCING METHODS
The microbiome landscape in the personal care industry is largely uncharted, presenting
a prime opportunity for brands to emerge as pioneers in microbiome modulation. To seize
