Enzymatic attachment of antigens to probe immune modulation by skin commensals

Recombinant sortase enables enzymatic conjugation of antigens onto the surface of diverse Gram-positive bacterial species, and this approach generates protective immunity in vivo.

• Why it matters: Genetic engineering of skin commensals is limited for many microbiome taxa, so a broadly applicable way to redirect immune responses to chosen antigens is needed.
• What they did: The study uses recombinant sortase to non-genetically attach antigens to Gram-positive bacteria and then tests immune modulation and protection in vivo.
• The result: Antigen-decorated bacteria can induce protective immunity in vivo, expanding the antigen-redirection strategy beyond genetically tractable microbes.

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