The microbial community inhabiting skin is an important part of its defense, acting to control immune responses and to influence susceptibility to pathogens. In this issue, Volz et al. report that Vitreoscilla filiformis extracts modulate mouse cutaneous inflammatory responses induces of interleukin-10 production in dendritic cells and priming of regulatory T cells. These findings in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis advance observations of links between bacteria and host immunity, and they provide further evidence for novel therapeutic strategies to treat inflammation in skin.