This is an accelerated article preview of a peer-reviewed paper published in Nature. The research investigates the antibody response in mice and humans to Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common skin bacterium. A specific surface protein, Aap, is identified as a major target of this antibody response. The study demonstrates that engineered S. epidermidisstrains can elicit potent, durable, and specific antibody responses against other pathogens, suggesting a novel topical vaccination approach. Furthermore, the researchers explore a SpyCatcher/SpyTag system for efficient conjugation of various immunogens to the bacterial surface, expanding the potential of this vaccination strategy.