Vaccinating against Acne: Benefits and Potential Pitfalls

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is treated with antibiotics and retinoids, but side effects are numerous. Novel safe and efficient therapies are still needed. Wang et al. demonstrate that the secreted virulence factor Christie-Atkins-Munch-Peterson factor 2 from Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium involved in acne pathogenesis, promotes inflammatory responses. This proinflammatory property could be inhibited by antibodies to Christie-Atkins-Munch-Peterson factor 2, suggesting Christie-Atkins-Munch-Peterson factor 2 as a candidate target in acne vaccination. This work supports the concept of acne immunotherapy, but questions about selection of target antigens remain open.