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Cited by 84Dermatology and Skin DiseasesSphingolipid Metabolism and SignalingAntimicrobial Peptides and Activities

The roles of cutaneous lipids in host defense

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Fischer, Carol L., Blanchette, Derek R., Brogden, Kim A., Dawson, Deborah V., Drake, David R., Hill, Jennifer R., Wertz, Philip W.·2014·Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids
DOI 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.08.012PMC PMC3943473
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Abstract

Lauric acid (C12:0) and sapienic acid (C16:1Δ6) derived from human sebaceous triglycerides are potent antimicrobials found at the human skin surface. Long-chain bases (sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine and 6-hydroxysphingosine) are also potent and broad-acting antimicrobials normally present at the skin surface. These antimicrobials are generated through the action of ceramidases on ceramides from the stratum corneum. These natural antimicrobials are thought to be part of the innate immune system of the skin. Exogenously providing these lipids to the skin may provide a new therapeutic option, or could potentially provide prophylaxis in people at risk of infection. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The Important Role of Lipids in the Epidermis and their Role in the Formation and Maintenance of the Cutaneous Barrier. Guest Editors: Kenneth R. Feingold and Peter Elias.

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  • Lauric and sapienic acid as well as long-chain bases (sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine and 6-hydroxysphingosine) have broad-acting antimicrobial properties.

    “Other studies have showed that lauric and sapienic acid as well as long-chain bases (sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine and 6-hydroxysphingosine) have broad-acting antimicrobial properties.63”

    From Sebaceous-immunobiology is orchestrated by sebum lipids (2017) · cites this paper as [63]

    The Fatty Acids section (page unavailable) reports antimicrobial activity for lauric and sapienic acids, and the Long-Chain Sphingoid Bases section (page unavailable) reports activity for sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine against a range of bacteria. The latter names phytosphingosine, not the claim’s 6-hydroxysphingosine; our copy does not establish antimicrobial activity for that named compound. It also notes organisms against which the tested lipids were ineffective. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • These antimicrobials act as part of the innate immune system of the skin and are generated through the action of ceramidases from the stratum corneum.

    “These antimicrobials act as part of the innate immune system of the skin, and are generated through the action of ceramidases from the stratum corneum.63”

    From Sebaceous-immunobiology is orchestrated by sebum lipids (2017) · cites this paper as [63]

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Research works printed but not linked: 38

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Authors
Fischer, C. L., Blanchette, D. R., Brogden, K. A., Dawson, D. V., Drake, D. R., Hill, J. R., & Wertz, P. W.
Affiliations
  • University of Iowa (US)
  • Augusta University (US)
Corresponding author
Wertz, Philip W.
ORCID
Venue
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2014-03
Volume
1841
Issue
3
Pages
319-322
ISSN
1388-1981 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.08.012
PMC
PMC3943473
OpenAlex
W2068664663
Cited by
84
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 1
FWCI
0.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (R01DE014390, R01DE018032, T90DE023520)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatology and Skin Diseases
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Sphingolipid Metabolism and Signaling
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Microbiology › Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities
Keywords
host defense, antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, ceramidase, ceramide, stratum corneum, innate immunity, skin barrier, topical antimicrobial therapy
MeSH terms
Animals, Anti-Infective Agents, Humans, Infections, Lipids, Skin, Infection Control, Lipid Metabolism, Ceramidases

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