Year: 2017
Type: review
Abstract: Neutrophils, complement system and skin collectively represent the main elements of the innate immune system, the first line of defence of the host against many common microorganisms. Bacterial pathogens have evolved strategies to counteract all these defence activities. Specifically, Staphylococcus aureus, a major human pathogen, secretes a variety of immune evasion molecules including proteases, which cleave components of the innate immune system or disrupt the integrity of extracellular matrix and intercellular connections of tissues. Additionally, S. aureus secretes proteins that can activate host zymogens which, in turn, target specific defence components. Secreted proteins can also inhibit the anti-bacterial function of neutrophils or complement system proteases, potentiating S. aureus chances of survival. Here, we review the current understanding of these proteases and modulators of host proteases in the functioning of innate immunity and describe the importance of these mechanisms in the pathology of staphylococcal diseases.
Authors: Giampiero Pietrocola, Giulia Nobile, Simonetta Rindi, Pietro Speziale
Institution: University of Pavia
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Funder: Fondazione Cariplo
OpenAlex ID: W2611236744