Commensal Friends or Foes? Bacterial Injection Systems in Skin Microbiomes and Commensals As Novel Avenue for Combatting Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance

The skin microbiome is crucial for maintaining skin homeostasis, protecting against pathogens, and modulating immune responses. It is also a hotspot for antibiotic resistance, with approximately 40% of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains in wounds exhibiting methicillin resistance. The goal of this research is to investigate microbial injection systems within the skin microbiome, that can deliver substances across biological membranes. Using advanced sequencing and imaging techniques, we map injection systems in healthy skin, examining their function and potential as targeted therapies against MRSA. Additionally, we explore protein design to develop CIS-based treatments for bacterial skin infections.