Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
08:32
Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: January 17, 2025
Novel targeted immunotherapy approaches for staphylococcal infection
1National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. motto@niaid.nih.gov
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|June 10, 2010
Summary
Developing a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine is challenging due to its commensal nature and immune evasion tactics. Current research explores polyvalent vaccines and therapeutic antibodies to overcome these hurdles.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen, causing complex infections due to widespread antibiotic resistance.
- Despite extensive research, a successful vaccine against S. aureus remains elusive, unlike for many other bacterial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for developing a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine.
- To explore the molecular challenges hindering S. aureus vaccine development.
- To discuss recent advancements in vaccine research.
Main Methods:
- Review of active and passive immunization strategies in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of molecular factors contributing to vaccine development difficulties.
- Examination of recent shifts in vaccine formulation and antigen selection.
Main Results:
- S. aureus vaccine development is complicated by its status as a commensal organism.
- S. aureus toxins can lyse white blood cells, impairing vaccine-mediated opsonophagocytosis.
- Previous monovalent vaccine trials have largely failed.
Conclusions:
- Recent efforts focus on polyvalent vaccine formulations and therapeutic antibodies.
- More systematic approaches to selecting optimal antigens are being pursued.
- Overcoming immune evasion mechanisms is critical for future S. aureus vaccine success.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...