Single-cell transcriptomics and spatial validation reveal dysfunction of keratinocytes and NK cells driving acne development.

ABSTRACT: Acne, the most prevalent inflammatory skin condition globally, lacks comprehensive understanding of its cellular and molecular mechanisms. This research integrates single-cell transcriptomics with spatial immunofluorescence to detail cellular composition and functional states in healthy skin, mild acne, and severe acne. Findings indicate that keratinocytes in mild acne secrete antimicrobial peptides and maintain barrier defense, but transition to abnormal differentiation and pathological keratinization in severe acne. Natural killer (NK) cells initially amplify inflammation and activate the immune response, but later become exhausted and apoptotic. This interaction creates a "dual immune-barrier imbalance," driving acne progression. Functional enrichment and pseudo-time analyses demonstrat

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12858883 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature