Project description:Free fatty acids (FA) secreted by the sebaceous glands are a critical component of the skin barrier. Here, we investigate the activity of the major FA species present in the skin against Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus; GAS), a major cause of skin infections such as impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Several relevant FAs had antimicrobial activity against GAS and induced differential regulation of GAS virulence factors.