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Staphylococcus aureus, master manipulator of the human hemostatic system
L Liesenborghs1, P Verhamme1, T Vanassche1
1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KULeuven - University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis : JTH
|December 19, 2017
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus manipulates the body's clotting system to cause severe infections like sepsis. Understanding this interaction can lead to new treatments for Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- The coagulation system protects against bleeding and aids defense against microbes.
- Innate immunity and the hemostatic system are interconnected, influencing infection outcomes.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of deadly intravascular infections, including sepsis and endocarditis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intricate relationship between Staphylococcus aureus and the host hemostatic system.
- To understand how Staphylococcus aureus manipulates coagulation pathways during infection.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets by studying this host-pathogen interaction.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors, specifically coagulases and staphylokinase.
- Investigation of Staphylococcus aureus interactions with host proteins like prothrombin, plasminogen, platelets, fibrinogen, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factor.
- Examination of the impact of Staphylococcus aureus on coagulation and fibrinolysis processes.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus directly induces coagulation by activating prothrombin via its coagulases.
- Staphylococcus aureus manipulates fibrinolysis by activating plasminogen through staphylokinase.
- The bacterium binds and activates platelets and interacts with key coagulation proteins, gaining an advantage over host defenses.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus expertly manipulates the host coagulation system for its own benefit during infection.
- Understanding the interplay between Staphylococcus aureus and hemostasis is crucial for developing novel therapies.
- Targeting these interactions could provide innovative strategies to combat deadly Staphylococcus aureus infections.
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