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Clumping Factor B Promotes Adherence of Staphylococcus aureus to Corneocytes in Atopic Dermatitis
Orla M Fleury1, Maeve A McAleer2,3,4, Cécile Feuillie5
1Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Infection and Immunity
|April 5, 2017
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) adhesion to skin in atopic dermatitis (AD) is promoted by the bacterial protein ClfB. This molecule binds to corneocytes, facilitating S. aureus colonization and exacerbating AD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is frequently complicated by recurrent Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) skin infections.
- S. aureus colonization of the skin is common in children with AD and worsens the condition.
- Bacterial adhesion to corneocytes in the stratum corneum is the initial step in S. aureus colonization and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify bacterial proteins responsible for S. aureus adherence to corneocytes from AD skin.
- To investigate the role of ClfB in the interaction between S. aureus and AD corneocytes.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of S. aureus strains from AD skin and healthy nasal cavities.
- Assessment of ClfB ligand binding activity.
- Atomic force microscopy to study bacterial adherence to ex vivo AD corneocytes.
- Evaluation of a ClfB-deficient mutant's adherence.
Main Results:
- S. aureus strains from clonal complexes 1 and 8 were more prevalent in infected AD skin.
- AD strains exhibited increased ClfB ligand binding activity.
- ClfB-expressing bacteria adhered to AD corneocytes, while ClfB-deficient mutants showed significantly reduced adherence.
- ClfB from clonal complex 1 strains displayed higher binding affinity.
Conclusions:
- ClfB is a crucial adhesion molecule mediating S. aureus interaction with AD corneocytes.
- ClfB plays a key role in the initial colonization of S. aureus in atopic dermatitis.
- ClfB represents a potential therapeutic target for managing S. aureus colonization in AD patients.