Rapid pathogen-specific recruitment of immune effector cells in the skin by secreted toxins.

ABSTRACT: Swift recruitment of phagocytic leucocytes is critical in preventing infection when bacteria breach through the protective layers of the skin. According to canonical models, this occurs via an indirect process that is initiated by contact of bacteria with resident skin cells and which is independent of the pathogenic potential of the invader. Here we describe a more rapid mechanism of leucocyte recruitment to the site of intrusion of the important skin pathogen Staphylococcus aureus that is based on direct recognition of specific bacterial toxins, the phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), by circulating leucocytes. We used a combination of intravital imaging, ear infection and skin abscess models, and in vitro gene expression studies to demonstrate that this early recruitment was dependent on th

SUBMITTER: Nguyen TH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8732318 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature