OR2AT4 Activation by a Synthetic Odorant Stimulates Dermcidin Production in Human Hair Follicle Epithelium and Increases Follicular Resistance to Bacterial Contamination: A Novel Antimicrobial Folliculitis Therapy?
TLDR A synthetic sandalwood odorant can boost antimicrobial production in hair follicles, making them more resistant to bacteria.
The study investigated the effects of activating the olfactory receptor OR2AT4 in human hair follicles using a synthetic sandalwood odorant, Sandalore®. It was found that Sandalore® up-regulated the production of dermcidin (DCD), an antimicrobial peptide, in the hair follicle epithelium. This increased DCD production rendered the hair follicles more resistant to bacterial contamination. The findings suggested that "olfactotherapy" using specific odorants could potentially be a novel treatment for hair follicle diseases characterized by bacterial dysbiosis, such as acne vulgaris or bacterial folliculitis.
