Materials and methods for improving immune responses and skin and/or mucosal barrier functions
The subject invention provides compositions and methods for treating human dermatological conditions by employing a microbiome-centered treatment approach. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and the methods of using the same, comprising a strain of Lactobacillus fermentum bacterium, or bioactive extracts thereof, derived from human microbiota and capable of growing in biofilm phenotype.
1. A composition comprising Lactobacillus fermentum Qi6 having Accession No. PTA-122195, grown as a biofilm, and a carrier.
2. The composition, according to claim 1 , comprising an edible material.
3. The composition, according to claim 1 , comprising a cosmetic carrier.
4. The composition, according to claim 2 , wherein the composition is formulated as a gel, soap, emulsion, paste, lotion, ointment or cream.
5. The composition, according to claim 1 , that is formulated for oral administration to a human or animal.