Skin Microbiome-Mediated Sensing and Delivery to the Pilosebaceous Unit

Microbes are fascinating molecular machines which can be equipped with synthetic genetic programs that allow them to produce therapeutic molecules targeted on demand upon disease sensing. Cutibacterium acnes engraftment capacity in the skin and its living habitat close to important pharmacological targets makes it an attractive chassis to create sensors and skin-delivered therapeutics.

We have developed genetic circuits with sensing and skin modulation. Specifically, we will present strains equipped with engineered inflammation sensing and modulation, and sebum production regulation capabilities. We have characterised them in 3D skin models and in mouse demonstrating inflammation sensing and quenching, as well as host sebum production modulation.