Staphylococcus aureus, first identified by Alexander Ogston in 1881, is a Gram-positive bacterium known for its opportunistic pathogenicity and ability to develop antimicrobial resistance.
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), particularly prevalent in healthcare settings, has also become common in community-associated infections. MRSA infections are challenging to treat due to resistance to multiple antibiotics and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The USA300 strain, a typical community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA), is highly virulent and difficult to treat, emphasizing the need for better understanding of staphylococcal virulence mechanisms.
Secreted proteins are considered as main reservoir of virulence factors, extracellular proteases are one group of the secreted virulence factors of S. aureus, the contributions of various proteases to S. aureus USA300 virulence were explored in this thesis of Xiaofang Li. In addition, the roles of regulatory systems like SigB, CodY, and the hibernation-promoting factor (SaHPF) in bacterial stress response, metabolism, and persistence are highlighted in recent studies, offering insights into potential targets for treatment.
Additionally, cell wall proteins such as peptidoglycan hydrolases (PGHs) show promise as targets for anti-staphylococcal therapies. The interplay between S. aureus and host epithelial barriers is crucial for infection progression, underscores the importance of barrier integrity in preventing respiratory infections. Future research should focus on targeting these pathways and mechanisms to combat S. aureus infections effectively.
