Acne vulgaris is often reported in adolescence and in young adulthood with the main pathogenic factors being hyperkeratinization, blockage of sebaceous glands, and stimulation of sebaceous gland secretion by androgens and bacterial colonization of sebaceous units by Cutibacterium acnes, which stimulates inflammation. However, very less is known about the role of skin immune cells in developing acne lesions. A recent study explained the role of skin immune cells in the course of acne. 

Current studies demonstrate at least four major pathways of the interaction of C.acnes with the innate immune system to generate inflammation, that is, via TLRs, triggering inflammasomes, yielding the production of matrix metalloproteinases and provoking antimicrobial peptide activity. Cells of the adaptive immune response, specifically Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes, also have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acne. 

Thus, a good knowledge regarding the role of the skin’s immune cells in the pathogenesis of acne will help in involving modern therapeutic strategies in future that would bypass dependence on antibiotics. This would further relieve the spectrum of resistance that is now apparent and an existing threat.

Source: Firlej E, Kowalska W, Szymaszek K, et al. The role of skin immune system in acne. J Clin Med. 2022;11(6):1579.