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Microbiome & allergy
- 5min
- May. 2022
- Supported by
To start, the role of microbiome barrier disfunction has recently been linked to cutaneous allergic sensitization. In allergic skin, two microbiome functions are altered: epidermal skin barrier and immunoregulatory function.
When the skin barrier is altered, we observe trans epidermal water loss and therefore dry skin. Secondly, when there is allergen exposure, an altered skin barrier causes increased penetration of these allergens. As a result, it can lead to allergic sensitization.1
When the skin barrier is altered, we observe trans epidermal water loss and therefore dry skin. Secondly, when there is allergen exposure, an altered skin barrier causes increased penetration of these allergens. As a result, it can lead to allergic sensitization.1
Allergic sensitization is driven by IgE hypersensitivity and leads the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-4, causing an allergic inflammation with swelling, itching and redness.2
In previous research it was discovered that populations living in rural areas have a rich & diverse skin microbiome with high IL-10 and low IL-4 expression. The opposite is true for populations living in urban areas, with an over-reactive immune system as result.3,4
In a strong and healthy microbiome, such as the one from rural population, Acinetobacter is abundantly present. This bacterium reinforces skin barrier to prevent skin penetration of allergens and trains the immune system not to overreact, by releasing IL-10. In allergy-prone skin, Acinetobacter is less present, and the altered skin barrier allows the allergens to penetrate. Furthermore, the immune system is brought out of balance as a result from IL-4 release.2,5
Recently, IL-10, the immunosuppressive mediator, has been suggested to control cutaneous allergic sensitization. A possible explanation why rural populations show less allergic skin reactions compared to urban populations.2,5
What if we could mimic this rural microbiome effect?
New TOLERIANE DERMALLERGO CREAM contains a unique bacterial isolate from La Roche-Posay thermal water, SPHINGOBIOMA™, proven to help restore microbiome function.
1Strugar et al. Connecting the dots: From skin barrier dysfunction to allergic sensitization and the role of moisturizers in repairing the skin barrier. 2019
2Microbiome and Allergic Diseases, Pascal M et al, 2018
3Haatela. Allergy. 2019.74:1445-1456
4Fyhrquist et al.. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 : 1301-1309
5Environmental biodiversity, human microbiota,and allergy are interrelated, lkka Hanski et al, 2012