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Updated: May 5, 2026
A Mouse Model to Assess Innate Immune Response to Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Published on: February 28, 2019
Contribution of coagulases towards Staphylococcus aureus disease and protective immunity
Alice G Cheng1, Molly McAdow, Hwan K Kim
1Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.
Abstract:
The bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus seeds abscesses in host tissues to replicate at the center of these lesions, protected from host immune cells via a pseudocapsule. Using histochemical staining, we identified prothrombin and fibrin within abscesses and pseudocapsules. S. aureus secretes two clotting factors, coagulase (Coa) and von Willebrand factor binding protein (vWbp). We report here that Coa and vWbp together are required for the formation of abscesses. Coa and vWbp promote the non-proteolytic activation of prothrombin and cleavage of fibrinogen, reactions that are inhibited with specific antibody against each of these molecules. Coa and vWbp specific antibodies confer protection against abscess formation and S. aureus lethal bacteremia, suggesting that coagulases function as protective antigens for a staphylococcal vaccine.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus uses coagulase (Coa) and von Willebrand factor binding protein (vWbp) to form protective abscesses. Antibodies against these bacterial factors prevent abscesses and lethal infections, indicating their vaccine potential.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus forms abscesses, creating a protected niche shielded by a pseudocapsule.
- Abscesses contain host-derived prothrombin and fibrin, crucial for lesion development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Staphylococcus aureus secreted factors, coagulase (Coa) and von Willebrand factor binding protein (vWbp), in abscess formation.
- To evaluate the potential of Coa and vWbp as vaccine targets against S. aureus infections.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical staining to identify prothrombin and fibrin in abscesses.
- Assays to determine the function of Coa and vWbp in prothrombin activation and fibrinogen cleavage.
- Administration of specific antibodies against Coa and vWbp to assess protection against abscess formation and bacteremia in vivo.
Main Results:
- Coa and vWbp were identified as essential for Staphylococcus aureus abscess formation.
- These factors promote non-proteolytic activation of prothrombin and cleavage of fibrinogen.
- Specific antibodies against Coa and vWbp effectively inhibited abscess development and lethal bacteremia.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus utilizes Coa and vWbp to manipulate host clotting factors for abscess development.
- Coa and vWbp represent promising protective antigens for the development of a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine.
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