Cluster-forming property correlated with hemolytic activity by staphylococcal γ-hemolysin transmembrane pores

► Staphylococcal γ-hemolysin membrane pores form clusters on erythrocyte membranes. ► Membranes around clusters disappear and large holes are formed. ► Single pore formation correlates with the release of K+ ions from erythrocytes. ► Cluster formation correlates with the release of hemoglobin from erythrocytes. ► The clustered pores increase with the increase of the number of clusters per cell.