Staphylococcus aureus
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyCorynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum Exploits Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Components in a Novel Polymicrobial Defense StrategyWhile some individuals are nasally colonized with S. aureus, the underlying factors that determine colonization are not understood. There is increasing evidence that indicates that resident bacteria play a role; some commensal species can eradicate S. aureus from the nasal cavity. Among these,...
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyStaphylococcus aureus Impairs the Function of and Kills Human Dendritic Cells via the LukAB ToxinAntigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) fulfill an indispensable role in the development of adaptive immunity by producing proinflammatory cytokines and presenting microbial antigens to lymphocytes to trigger a faster, specific, and long-lasting immune response. Here, we studied the effect of Staphylococcus aureus toxins on human DCs. We discovered that...
Editor's Pick Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyGain-of-Function Mutations in the Phospholipid Flippase MprF Confer Specific Daptomycin ResistanceEver since daptomycin was introduced to the clinic, daptomycin-resistant isolates have been reported. In most cases, the resistant isolates harbor point mutations in MprF, which produces and flips the positively charged phospholipid LysPG. This has led to the assumption that the resistance mechanism relies on the overproduction of LysPG, given that increased LysPG production may lead to increased electrostatic repulsion of positively...
Commentary | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyPig Movement and Antimicrobial Use Drive Transmission of Livestock-Associated Staphylococcus aureus CC398The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has changed considerably over the last 3 decades, including the recognition of lineages associated with the community and with livestock exposure, in addition to nosocomial strains. A recent study by R.
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionChemical Synergy between Ionophore PBT2 and Zinc Reverses Antibiotic ResistanceThe rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance coupled with a reduction in new antibiotic development has placed significant burdens on global health care. Resistant bacterial pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus are leading causes of community- and hospital-acquired infection and present a...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe Mechanism behind Bacterial Lipoprotein Release: Phenol-Soluble Modulins Mediate Toll-Like Receptor 2 Activation via Extracellular Vesicle Release from Staphylococcus aureusOur study highlights the roles of surfactant-like molecules in bacterial inflammation with important implications for the prevention and therapy of inflammatory disorders. It describes a potential pathway for the transfer of hydrophobic bacterial lipoproteins, the major TLR2 agonists, from the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria to the TLR2 receptor at the surface of host cells. Moreover, our study reveals a molecular...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyMolecular Basis for the Evolution of Species-Specific Hemoglobin Capture by Staphylococcus aureusDuring infection, bacteria must steal metals, including iron, from the host tissue. Therefore, pathogenic bacteria have evolved metal acquisition systems to overcome the elaborate processes mammals use to withhold metal from pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus uses IsdB, a hemoglobin receptor, to thieve iron-containing heme from hemoglobin within human blood. We find...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyMatrix Polysaccharides and SiaD Diguanylate Cyclase Alter Community Structure and Competitiveness of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during Dual-Species Biofilm Development with Staphylococcus aureusBacteria in natural and engineered environments form biofilms that include many different species. Microorganisms rely on a number of different strategies to manage social interactions with other species and to access resources, build biofilm consortia, and optimize growth. For example, Pseudomonas...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyMobile-Genetic-Element-Encoded Hypertolerance to Copper Protects Staphylococcus aureus from Killing by Host PhagocytesMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a substantial threat to human health worldwide and evolves rapidly by acquiring mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids. Here we investigate how the copB-mco copper hypertolerance operon carried on a mobile genetic element contributes to the virulence potential of clinical isolates of MRSA....
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyProtection against Staphylococcus aureus Colonization and Infection by B- and T-Cell-Mediated MechanismsS. aureus is a leading cause of healthcare- and community-associated bacterial infections. S. aureus causes various illnesses, including bacteremia, meningitis, endocarditis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, sepsis, and skin and soft tissue infections....