title: Acne: a review of immunologic and microbiologic factors.
abstract: Acne vulgaris is a self-limiting skin disorder seen primarily in adolescents, whose aetiology appears to be multifactorial. The four main aetiological factors are hypercornification of the pilosebaceous duct, increased sebum production, colonization with Propionibacterium acnes, and subsequently the production of inflammation. Considerable investigation has addressed the immunologic reaction to extracellular products produced by the acne-causing organism, P acnes. The immunologic response involves both humoral and cell-mediated pathways. Further research should clarify the role of complement, cytotoxins, and neutrophils in this acne-forming response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Burkhart
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Burkhart
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Lehmann
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D003167:Complement Activation; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D003165:Complement System Proteins