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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
A Mouse Model to Assess Innate Immune Response to Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Published on: February 28, 2019
Recombinant ESAT-6-like proteins provoke protective immune responses against invasive Staphylococcus aureus disease
Bao Zhong Zhang1, Yan Hong Hua2, Bin Yu2
1Department of Biochemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen found in the community and in hospitals. Most notably, methicillin-resistant S. aureus is resistant to many antibiotics, which is a growing public health concern. The emergence of drug-resistant strains has prompted the search for alternative treatments, such as immunotherapeutic approaches. To date, most clinical trials of vaccines or of passive immunization against S. aureus have ended in failure. In this study, we investigated two ESAT-6-like proteins secreted by S. aureus, S. aureus EsxA (SaEsxA) and SaEsxB, as possible targets for a vaccine. Mice vaccinated with these purified proteins elicited high titers of anti-SaEsxA and anti-SaEsxB antibodies, but these antibodies could not prevent S. aureus infection. On the other hand, recombinant SaEsxA (rSaEsxA) and rSaEsxB could induce Th1- and Th17-biased immune responses in mice. Mice immunized with rSaEsxA and rSaEsxB had significantly improved survival rates when challenged with S. aureus compared with the controls. These findings indicate that SaEsxA and SaEsxB are two promising Th1 and Th17 candidate antigens which could be developed into multivalent and serotype-independent vaccines against S. aureus infection.
Insights
New research explores Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) vaccine candidates. While antibodies against SaEsxA and SaEsxB proteins were ineffective, immunization with recombinant versions improved mouse survival against S. aureus infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), poses a significant public health threat due to antibiotic resistance.
- The failure of previous S. aureus vaccine and passive immunization trials necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- ESAT-6-like secreted proteins (SaEsxA and SaEsxB) from S. aureus are investigated as potential vaccine targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy of S. aureus EsxA (SaEsxA) and SaEsxB proteins as vaccine candidates against S. aureus infection.
- To determine if antibodies against SaEsxA and SaEsxB can confer protection against S. aureus.
- To assess the potential of recombinant SaEsxA (rSaEsxA) and rSaEsxB in inducing protective immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Mice were vaccinated with purified SaEsxA and SaEsxB proteins to assess antibody titers.
- Mice were immunized with recombinant rSaEsxA and rSaEsxB to evaluate immune responses and survival rates.
- Immune responses were characterized for Th1 and Th17 bias.
Main Results:
- Vaccination with purified SaEsxA and SaEsxB elicited high antibody titers but did not prevent S. aureus infection.
- Immunization with rSaEsxA and rSaEsxB induced Th1- and Th17-biased immune responses.
- Mice immunized with rSaEsxA and rSaEsxB demonstrated significantly improved survival rates upon S. aureus challenge.
Conclusions:
- SaEsxA and SaEsxB are promising candidate antigens for S. aureus vaccines.
- Recombinant SaEsxA and SaEsxB can induce protective Th1 and Th17 immune responses.
- These antigens offer potential for developing multivalent, serotype-independent vaccines against S. aureus.
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