12-Hydroxystearic acid induces epidermal keratinocytes to secrete antimicrobial peptides that are potent inhibitors of viral infection.
Obed Manglalsiem Gangte, Krittika Nandy, Tanay Bhatt, Ananya Grewall, Akshata Kulkarni, Vaishali Garg, Anupama Ashok, Sayandip Mukherjee, Morris Wasker, Sandip B. Pathak, Nitish Kumar, Vibhav R. Sanzgiri, Harshinie W. Jayasekera, Naresh D. Ghatlia, Amitabha Majumdar, Colin Jamora
This study identifies 12-hydroxystearic acid as a stimulator of antimicrobial peptide secretion from keratinocytes, enhancing skin immunity against pathogens.
bioRxiv · Jul 1, 2025 · PreprintCell Biology