Figure 1.
Model showing the putative interactions of Malassezia yeasts with the skin.
Malassezia yeasts take up nutrients as well as sebum lipids that are used to form the outer layer of the yeast or amino acids that are needed for the formation of melanin or the synthesis of AhR indolic ligands. In parallel they modify the expression of lipases and phospholipases under the action of β-endorphin. Cellular components (enzymes, proteins, glyceroglycolipids, and mannosyl fatty acids) are recognized by the innate and adaptive immune system and alter its function. AhR ligands potentially down-regulate immune stimulation, modify the function of epidermal cells, interfere with AhR-induced ultraviolet (UV) damage and melanogenesis, and probably inhibit antagonist microbes.