Skin microbes trigger specific immune responses
NIH study describes how commensals and immune cells work together

New research in mice shows that the immune system in the skin develops distinct responses to the various microbes that naturally colonize the skin, referred to as commensals. A team led by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, found that each type of microbe triggers unique aspects of the immune system, suggesting that immune cells found in the skin can rapidly sense and respond to changes in microbial communities. These findings help clarify the protective role of skin commensals and may help explain how variation in the microbes at different skin sites contributes to skin disorders.
The skin is home to diverse microbial communities that can change over time. In the current study, investigators found that colonizing mice with different commensals leads to production of commensal-specific immune cells. They describe in detail how the common skin commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis enhances immune responses against pathogens without causing inflammation. Colonizing the skin of mice with S. epidermidis increased the number of CD8+ T immune cells, which produced the chemical messenger IL-17A. Dendritic cells, another type of immune cell, played a key role in generating this specific, non-inflammatory response. Mice colonized with S. epidermidis were protected against infection with a disease-causing fungus. Depleting CD8+ T cells or neutralizing IL-17A removed this protective effect.
The ability of different microbes to trigger distinct aspects of the immune system without causing inflammation opens the possibility of discovering new adjuvants--immune-boosting substances that may be added to vaccines or medications. Future research will focus on identifying specific chemical messengers and understanding how they stimulate the immune system.

www.niaid.nih.gov

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES 2015
Dr. Straetmans GmbH will introduce an emulsifier blend for rich O/W-emulsions and one active material. Symbiomuls rich is an innovative natural emulsifier blend that offers everything a formulator needs to develop cosmetic products of exceptional performance and a caring sensorial profile. This blend is an effective and easy to use emulsifier for O/W-emulsions of mainly higher viscosities, rich textures and a nourishing skin feel. The other extension of the portfolio is dermofeel enlight – a natural effective whitening active. This blend is based on phytic acid and mulberry extract with in vivo proven activity. It is especially suitable for natural age spot correction applications and skin whitening products.
www.dr-straetmans.de

ACQUISITION OF SUN OPTA FIBER AND STARCH BUSINESS, USA
JRS has acquired the Sun Opta’s Fiber and Starch Business in the US which will strengthen the JRS Group and his core business Natural Fibers through many more attractive services and products. Beside productivity growth JRS expects tremdous synergy effects also in many other areas. Customers of JRS benefit of the new range: in product portfolio, technology, application know how and extended service supply.
www.jrs.de

BELIDESTM ORG
BelidesTM ORG is a skin-lightening agent derived from organic daisy flowers (Bellis perennis). Its action is based on a reduction of melanin activity, it provides even pigmentation and makes age spots less visible. BelidesTM ORG influences various pathways involved in melanogenesis. By decreasing the production of Endothelin-1 (ET-1) BelidesTM ORG reduces the UV-stimulated induction of melanin biosynthesis. In addition, the binding affinity of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) to its receptor and tyrosinase activity are both down regulated. Lastly melanosome transfer to keratinocytes through endocytosis is reduced. BelidesTM ORG is certified by ECOCERT Greenlife according to the ECOCERT Standard for Natural and Organic Cosmetics.
www.clr-berlin.com