Two-for-one: Dual host-microbe functions of S. epidermidis Sph.

ABSTRACT

The skin microbiome is essential for skin function, yet the mechanisms responsible are only beginning to be uncovered. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Zheng et al. demonstrate that a Staphylococcus epidermidis sphingomyelinase has a mutually beneficial role in supporting the skin barrier and promoting S. epidermidis colonization.