Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Quantifying the Cytotoxicity of Staphylococcus aureus Against Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Published on: January 3, 2020
The effects of Staphylococcus aureus leukotoxins on the host: cell lysis and beyond
Pauline Yoong1, Victor J Torres
1Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, United States.
Abstract:
The success of Staphylococcus aureus as a leading cause of deadly hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections is attributed to its high-level resistance to most antibiotics, and the multitude of virulence factors it elaborates. Most clinical isolates produce up to four bi-component pore-forming toxins capable of lysing cells of the immune system. Subtle differences in activity and target range of each leukotoxin suggest that these toxins are not redundant, but instead may have specialized functions in attacking and/or evading host defenses. In turn, the host has developed countermeasures recognizing sublytic levels of leukotoxins as signals to activate protective immune defenses. The opposing cytotoxic and immune-activating effects of leukotoxins on host cells make for a complex dynamic between S. aureus and the host.
More Related Videos
09:25Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells
Published on: August 19, 2016
14:29Visualization of Bacterial Toxin Induced Responses Using Live Cell Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: October 1, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Toxins
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...
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Acute Inflammation II: Local and Systemic Effects