The human body is constantly exposed to various environmental factors, from viruses to bacteria and fungi, but most of these microbial organisms cause little or no reaction from our skin, which is responsible for monitoring and protecting against external hazards..

Until now, researchers weren't quite sure how this happened - and why our skin wasn't constantly agitated and inflamed..

In a study published May 21, 2021 in Science Immunology, scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine identify and describe two enzymes responsible for protecting our skin and the entire body from countless potential microbial invasions.. These enzymes, called histone deacetylases (HDACs), suppress the body's inflammatory response in the skin.

“We figured out why we tolerate certain microbes living on our skin, while the same bacteria would make us very sick if exposed elsewhere in the body,” said Richard Gallo, MD, Professor Emeritus. “In our research, we identified enzymes that act on the chromosome of certain skin cells that provide immune tolerance to the skin.. ”“ Without these enzymes, which tell our cells to ignore certain bacteria, we would have a permanent skin rash. “Gallo and colleagues say that a potential mechanism for how the environment can interact and alter cell function is epigenetic control of gene expression.. In skin cells, proteins called toll-like receptors (TLRs) allow cells to sense their surroundings and potential danger.

In most organs, TLRs act as a warning system that triggers an inflammatory response to threats. But in skin cells, two identified HDAC enzymes, HDAC8 and HDAC9, inhibit the inflammatory response.

“This is one of the first demonstrations of how the microbiome can interact with epigenetic factors in the skin and modulate skin behavior through an inflammatory response.. Whatever environment we face, it can change a person's specific response to it.. Since this epigenetic change is reversible, unlike changes in our DNA, we can potentially control the inflammatory response of the skin through targeting these enzymes..

“Gallo said the work could change the way doctors treat certain types of skin inflammation or other dermatological conditions..

“This is a whole new way of thinking about the immune regulation of the skin,” Gallo said.. “Through changes in HDAC activity, we have provided a possible way to explore and calm unnecessary inflammation by working with the skin cells themselves.. In the future, drugs designed to turn these enzymes on or off may help treat skin conditions as an alternative to antibiotics..

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