Figure 11. Proposed molecular mechanisms through which P. acnes induces ROS and IL-8 production in keratinocytes.

Surface components of P. acnes are recognized by both CD36 and TLR-2. CD36 triggers the production of O₂ ^•− through the NADPH oxidase pathway (NOX) and combines with NO to form peroxinitrites which, in turn, activate p38 and ERK MAPKs, thus contributing to IL-8 production. In parallel, IL-8 production is activated through the TLR-2 signalling pathway.