Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Immunity against Staphylococcus aureus cutaneous infections
1Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 52-121 Center for Health Sciences, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. lloydmiller@mednet.ucla.edu
Abstract:
Complications arising from cutaneous and soft tissue infections with Staphylococcus aureus are a major clinical problem owing to the high incidence of these infections and the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. If prophylactic vaccines or immunotherapy for certain patient populations are to be developed as an alternative to antibiotics, it will be essential to better understand the immune mechanisms that provide protection against S. aureus skin infections. Recent discoveries have identified a key role for interleukin-1 (IL-1)- and IL-17-mediated immune responses in promoting neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection in the skin, a process that is required for host defence and bacterial clearance. This Review describes these new insights and discusses their potential impact on immune-based therapies and vaccination strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
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...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
The Skin Microbiota

