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Wall Teichoic Acid in Staphylococcus aureus Host Interaction.
Rob van Dalen1, Andreas Peschel1, Nina M van Sorge2
1Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence 'Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Trends in Microbiology
|June 17, 2020
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus uses wall teichoic acids (WTAs) for nasal colonization, a key step in causing infections. Understanding host interactions with WTAs offers new strategies for preventing and treating S. aureus diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen causing community and hospital-acquired infections.
- Nasal colonization by S. aureus is a primary risk factor for invasive disease development.
- Cell wall-associated glycopolymers, specifically wall teichoic acids (WTAs), are crucial for S. aureus nasal colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on host interactions with Staphylococcus aureus WTAs.
- To explore the implications of these host-WTA interactions for disease prevention and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on host-pathogen interactions.
- Analysis of studies investigating the role of WTAs in S. aureus pathogenesis.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on immune responses to WTAs.
Main Results:
- WTAs are highly accessible and abundant on the S. aureus cell surface, making them prominent targets for the host immune system.
- Interactions between host factors and S. aureus WTAs influence the course of infection.
- WTAs play a critical role in S. aureus adherence and colonization within the nasal environment.
Conclusions:
- WTAs are central to S. aureus nasal colonization and host immune recognition.
- Targeting S. aureus WTAs and their host interactions presents promising avenues for novel therapeutic and preventative strategies against S. aureus infections.
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