Work

Staphylococcus aureus β-hemolysin impairs macrophage phagocytosis by disrupting ruffle formation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus , a major human pathogen, evades host immunity via multiple virulence factors. Macrophage phagocytosis is critical for clearing S. aureus to protect against infection. In this study, we demonstrated that β-hemolysin (Hlb), a sphingomyelinase (SMase), significantly impaired the phagocytic capacity of macrophages, which was strictly dependent on its SMase activity. Mechanistically, Hlb treatment significantly disrupted the formation of F-actin-rich membrane ruffles, a critical step in phagocytic uptake. Further in vivo study demonstrated that the presence of Hlb markedly increased bacterial burden. Collectively, these findings identify Hlb as a key virulence factor that subverts macrophage protection by disrupting membrane ruffle formation, thereby enhancing S. aureus survival during infection.

Source: BMC Microbiology

DOI: 10.1186/s12866-026-05557-9

Authors: Qi Li, Nan Chen, Yu Sun, Jingjing Li, Chenghua Liu, Guang Yang

Institutions: Capital Medical University, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Chinese People's Liberation Army

Language: English

Topic: Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990