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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
09:15
A Mouse Model to Assess Innate Immune Response to Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Published on: February 28, 2019
Innate host defense lysozyme may help control Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis
Patrick M Schlievert1, Samuel H Kilgore1, Evgeny Berdyshev2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Microbiology Spectrum
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Atopic dermatitis patients may increase lysozyme production to control Staphylococcus aureus colonization. Lysozyme inhibits S. aureus toxins, potentially reducing inflammation and improving skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is linked to Staphylococcus aureus colonization, which exacerbates symptoms.
- S. aureus produces toxins and enzymes contributing to AD persistence.
- Dupilumab treatment for AD reduces S. aureus colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of host lysozyme in controlling S. aureus burden in AD patients.
- Determine the relationship between lysozyme levels, S. aureus colonization, and AD severity.
- Explore the impact of dupilumab on lysozyme and S. aureus levels.
Main Methods:
- Correlational analysis of S. aureus abundance and lysozyme levels in AD patients.
- Observation of changes in S. aureus and lysozyme levels during dupilumab treatment and placebo phases.
- Assessment of lysozyme's effect on S. aureus exoprotein production in vitro.
Main Results:
- Reduced S. aureus abundance during dupilumab treatment correlated with lower lysozyme levels.
- S. aureus and lysozyme levels remained stable in placebo-treated participants.
- S. aureus and lysozyme levels decreased when placebo participants switched to dupilumab.
- Lysozyme inhibits S. aureus exoprotein production but does not kill the bacteria.
Conclusions:
- AD patients may upregulate lysozyme production in response to S. aureus colonization.
- Lysozyme plays a role in modulating S. aureus-induced inflammation in AD.
- Balancing S. aureus-driven inflammation with host innate immunity, like lysozyme, is crucial for AD management.
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