The
human skin is our primary protection against environmental and pathogenic
insults. Despite our best efforts to eradicate them, our epidermis harbours a
complex ecosystem of microbial life. Different parts of the body offer widely
different environments, the equivalent of variation from rain-forests to
deserts for bacterial communities. While most skin residents are harmless or
beneficial to the host, some can lead to skin diseases. In particular, eczema
of the skin is a common condition (15-30% of children and 2-10% of adults)
where the interaction between skin microbes and the host immune system is
believed to play a role. Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis (AD) has a significant
quality of life impact on affected individuals and increasing healthcare and
other associated costs worldwide. Using modern genomic techniques, we have
identified key perturbations in the resident skin microflora that could act as
triggers for rashes and flares. This analysis suggests that individuals with
eczema harbour a distinct community that is primed for pathogen growth and
inflammation. We propose a new form of the hygiene hypothesis for explaining
the increasing incidence of eczema, revealing in the process novel therapeutic
targets for this disease.
Date & Time: 26th Nov 2015 & 11.30 AM
Venue:Biotech Auditorium (6th Floor)
ALL ARE WELCOME
