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A φSa3int (NM3) Prophage Domestication in Staphylococcus aureus Leads to Increased Virulence Through Human Immune

Roshan Nepal1,2,3, Ghais Houtak1,2, George Bouras1,2

  • 1The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide Australia.

Medcomm
|August 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Prophage domestication in Staphylococcus aureus significantly increases virulence factors and immune evasion. This finding suggests targeting mobile genetic elements could improve personalized therapies for chronic infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus strains with varying virulence are common in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
  • Prophage-encoded virulence, especially from φSa3int (NM3) prophages, is known, but its impact on bacterial gene expression and resident prophages is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how new prophage domestication affects bacterial gene expression and resident prophage expression.
  • To understand the role of φSa3int prophage domestication in Staphylococcus aureus virulence and immune evasion.

Main Methods:

  • Transduction of a φSa3int prophage from a hyper-biofilm forming mucoid S. aureus (SA333) into a high-biofilm forming non-mucoid S. aureus (SA222).
  • Analysis of gene expression changes, exoprotein production, and phagocytosis rates post-prophage domestication.

Main Results:

  • φSa3int prophage domestication led to significant upregulation of 21 exoproteins, including immune-evasion toxins and IcaB.
  • Domestication resulted in reduced phagocytosis, indicating enhanced bacterial escape from innate immunity.
  • Prophage domestication altered the expression of bacterial genes and suppressed resident prophage structural proteins.

Conclusions:

  • φSa3int prophage domestication enhances Staphylococcus aureus virulence through novel factors and immune evasion.
  • Targeting virulence factors on mobile genetic elements is crucial for personalized therapies in chronic infections.
Keywords:
NM3 prophageSa3int prophagebacteriophagechronic rhinosinusitismicrobe–host interactionphage

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