The Roles of Cutaneous Microbiota in Skin Physiology and Immunity: A Review

Abstract

The skin, the body's largest organ, hosts a diverse microbiome consisting of bacteria, fungi, and viruses known as cutaneous microbiome is crucial for maintaining skin health, regulating the immune system, and preventing inappropriate inflammatory reactions. Most of these microorganisms are harmless or beneficial to their host. However, despite the growing recognition of the cutaneous microbiome's significance, there remains a critical gap in our understanding of the precise mechanisms by which alterations in microbial community’s influence skin health and immune responses. Therefore, this review aims to explore the composition of the cutaneous microbiota, their interactions with the immune system, the effects of microbial changes on skin disorders, and potential therapeutic strategies for managing the skin microbiota.