Differential role of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase for cellular recovery from attack by pore-forming S. aureus α-toxin or streptolysin O

Following the observation that cells are able to recover from membrane lesions incurred by Staphylococcus aureus α-toxin and streptolysin O (SLO), we investigated the role of p38 in this process. p38 phosphorylation occurred in response to attack by both toxins, commencing within minutes after toxin treatment and waning after several hours. While SLO reportedly activates p38 via ASK1 and ROS, we show that this pathway does not play a major role for p38 induction in α-toxin-treated cells. Strikingly divergent effects of p38 blockade were noted depending on the toxin employed. In the case of α-toxin, inhibition of p38 within the time frame of its activation led to disruption of the recovery process and to cell death. In contrast, blockade of p38 in SLO permeabilized cells did not affect the capacity of the cells to replenish their ATP stores.