Acinetobacterspecies in the skin microbiota protect against allergic sensitization and inflammation

Background The human commensal microbiota interacts in a complex manner with the immune system, and the outcome of these interactions might depend on the immune status of the subject. Objective Previous studies have suggested a strong allergy-protective effect for Gammaproteobacteria. Here we analyze the skin microbiota, allergic sensitization (atopy), and immune function in a cohort of adolescents, as well as the influence ofAcinetobacterspecies on immune responsesin vitroandin vivo. Methods The skin microbiota of the study subjects was identified by using 16S rRNA sequencing. PBMCs were analyzed for baseline and allergen-stimulated mRNA expression. Inin vitroassays human monocyte-derived dendritic cells and primary keratinocytes were incubated withAcinetobacter lwoffii. Finally, inin vivoexperiments mice were injected intradermally withA lwoffiiduring the sensitization phase of the asthma protocol, followed by readout of inflammatory parameters. Results In healthy subjects, but not in atopic ones, the relative abundance ofAcinetobacterspecies was associated with the expression of anti-inflammatory molecules by PBMCs. Moreover, healthy subjects exhibited a robust balance between anti-inflammatory and TH1/TH2 gene expression, which was related to the composition of the skin microbiota. In cell assays and in a mouse model,Acinetobacterspecies induced strong TH1 and anti-inflammatory responses by immune cells and skin cells and protected against allergic sensitization and lung inflammation through the skin. Conclusion These results support the hypothesis that skin commensals play an important role in tuning the balance of TH1, TH2, and anti-inflammatory responses to environmental allergens.