Harvard’s skin itch discovery and Beiersdorf’s microbiome innovations illuminate future of dermatology

11 Dec 2023 --- The skin’s microbiome is drawing a lot of attention with groundbreaking research revealing the dynamic interplay between microbes and skin health, shaping the future of skin care innovations. Personal Care Insights speaks to the director of Dermatology and Microbiome Research at Beiersdorf and a postdoctoral research fellow in Chiu Lab at Harvard University. We look at research developments and innovations for combating skin diseases such as acne and eczema.

Recently, researchers at Harvard discovered Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) for the first time as a direct cause of skin itch.

“S. aureus is a bacterium frequently associated with itchy skin conditions. For example, S. aureus is present in the itchy skin lesions of atopic dermatitis patients. However, scientists did not know whether S. aureus could be the cause of itch. The results of our study are important because we show that S. aureus can directly activate skin nerves to cause itch. It would be exciting to find out if other microbes can cause itch,” says Liwen Deng of Chiu Lab.

“We found that S. aureus produces an enzyme called V8. This enzyme activates a receptor that is found on skin nerves called PAR1. When V8 activates PAR1, it initiates a signal in the neuron that eventually is perceived as an itch in the brain.”

Industry reacts
Answering how the findings may influence the design of oral medicines and topical creams for treating itch, Deng shares that his team could target the PAR1 receptor on neurons to block itch. 

“There is an FDA-approved drug, Vorapaxar, that specifically blocks PAR1. Patients currently use this drug to treat thrombosis. When treating mice orally with Vorapaxar, we saw that it could alleviate the itch that would normally occur when the animals are exposed to S. aureus. One exciting future direction would be to develop a topical formulation of this drug that could be applied to the skin to stop itching.”

Seeking an industry response to the discovery, we reached out to Dr. Jörn Hendrik Reuter of Beiersdorf, an expert on the skin microbiome.

“S. aureus as a direct cause of itch is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it provides a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms of itch, a sensation that can be both distressing and debilitating. S. aureus is a common bacterium found on diseased skin, and its role in provoking itch highlights the intricate relationship between the skin microbiome and sensory responses,” he says.

“This discovery is particularly crucial in skin conditions where persistent itching is a prominent symptom, such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. Identifying S. aureus as one of the direct contributors to itch opens new pathways for developing approaches that address the specific microbial imbalances associated with this sensation and go beyond symptomatic relief but to the root causes of itching.”Beiersdorf’s AtopiControl (Image Credit: Beiersdorf).

What may prevail
Talking about how the findings could influence the design of oral medicines and topical creams for treating itch, Dr. Reuter says: “While this finding is a breakthrough, S. aureus was already well-known amongst the scientific community to be involved in pathogenic processes of skin diseases.” 

“This means that strategies to contain S. aureus infections remain valid. Moreover, they have become even more meaningful, adding potential targets like the bacterial V8 protease and the PAR1 pathway. Only time will tell to what extent individual strategies, such as the different ways of directly manipulating and combating S. aureus or shifting the balance of the microbiome through probiotic or similar applications, will prevail.”

“In our opinion, it is likely that combinations will ultimately prevail. Overall, the findings can potentially revolutionize the approach to treating persistent itch by incorporating a microbiome-focused strategy into the design of topical applications, which could ultimately provide more effective relief for individuals experiencing skin-related itchiness.”

“Nobel Prize awarded mode of action”
Dr. Reuter discusses specific technologies and scientific insights that Beiersdorf leveraged to address skin itch, eczema and atopic dermatitis in personal care products.

“Additional to our anti-itch and anti-inflammatory technologies, we use several humectants and barrier-strengthening ingredients (omega fatty acids, ceramides) to treat and prevent dry skin conditions and also already antimicrobial/anti-biofilm actives like Decandiol to combat the S. aureus superinfection,” he shares.Beiersdorf’s research center at our Hamburg Headquarters is the biggest site of its global research network, with over 700 scientists working there, shares Dr. Reuter.

“All products of our AtopiControl range are also free of fragrances and allergens, and they come in different convenient formats and textures like creams, lotions, balms or sprays.” Dr. Reuter further shares several research studies on atopic eczema treatments, emollient treatment post steroids, epidermal nerve fibers and a cooling compound against itch.

“Itching is the cardinal symptom of eczema and atopic dermatitis that most severely impacts quality of life. In the acute phase of atopic dermatitis, minimizing it is, therefore, a priority. Eucerin integrates active ingredients that interrupt the itch-scratch cycle at several points,” says Dr. Reuter.

“The first is Licochalcone A, which has a strong anti-inflammatory efficacy, and Menthoxypropanediol, which directly reduces itching as an activator of the cold receptor TRPM8. The European atopic dermatology guideline lists Both active ingredients as Emollient plus active ones.”

“Licochalcone A is our line ingredient, which can be found in the entire AtopiControl range. This is because eczema patients show subclinical inflammation even in relapse-free phases and, therefore, also require special care in their daily basic care. Menthoxypropanediol, on the other hand, can be found in our acute products such as the Anti-Itch Spray and Acute Care Cream,” continues Dr. Reuter.

He adds that Beiersdorf’s Anti-Itch Spray also contains Symsitive that soothes the skin by inhibiting the heat receptor TRPV1. “The principle of Symsitive and Menthoxypropanediol is based on the Nobel Prize-awarded mode of action. What is the skin microbiome, and how do I protect it?” shares Dr. Reuter.

Research prospects 
Dr. Reuter shares examples of collaborations with universities in Hamburg, Germany and Aarhus University in Denmark, where they explored the skin microbiome ecosystem more closely to develop new cosmetic approaches and formulas.

“In this work, we have developed a new methodology that we patented in 2022 and are using successfully. This allows scientists to more precisely examine selected bacterial strains — always keeping in mind that the composition and balance of all the microbes living on the skin is pivotal to our skin health,” says Dr. Reuter.

“In particular, the researchers gained new insights into the relationship between staphylococci and cutibacteria. These two types of bacteria interact with each other and coexist peacefully in a healthy skin microbiome. If the microbiome becomes unbalanced, this can trigger skin disorders such as acne or eczema. The results will help us develop new microbiome-based care products, particularly for acne sufferers.”

Beiersdorf believes collaboration is key in promoting innovation that happens at the interface of disciplines and technologies.

“In the context of our research efforts on the skin’s microbiome, one partner, in particular, is worth mentioning: Since 2018, we have been collaborating very closely with S-Biomedic NV, a Belgian life-science company and a frontrunner in the field of skin microbiome research. In 2022, we acquired a majority stake in the company. This strategic investment complements our research activities and increases our innovative capacity. Our joint vision is to further strengthen our competence in the research field of the microbiome and its implications for skin diseases to develop products that work in harmony with the natural skin processes,” concludes Dr. Reuter.

By Venya Patel