Leukocidins and the Nuclease Nuc Prevent Neutrophil-Mediated Killing of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Mohini Bhattacharya, Evelien T.M. Berends, Xuhui Zheng, Preston J. Hill, Rita Chan, Victor J. Torres, Daniel J. Wozniak
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are linked with chronic infections and have properties distinct from those of planktonic, single-celled bacteria. The virulence mechanisms associated with Staphylococcus aureus biofilms are becoming better understood. Human neutrophils are critical for the innate immune response to S. aureus infection. Here, we describe two virulence strategies that converge to promote the ability of S. aureus biofilms to evade killing by neutrophils.
Topics & Concepts
Staphylococcus aureusBiofilmMicrobiologyVirulenceBiologyInnate immune systemImmune systemStaphylococcal infectionsBacteriaImmunologyGeneBiochemistryGeneticsAntimicrobial Resistance in StaphylococcusBacterial biofilms and quorum sensingNeutrophil, Myeloperoxidase and Oxidative Mechanisms