Host–pathogen interactions between the skin and Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for the vast majority of bacterial skin infections in humans. The propensity for S. aureus to infect skin involves a balance between cutaneous immune defense mechanisms and virulence factors of the pathogen. The tissue architecture of the skin is different from other epithelia especially since it possesses a corneal layer, which is an important barrier that protects against the pathogenic microorganisms in the environment. The skin surface, epidermis, and dermis all contribute to host defense against S. aureus. Conversely, S. aureus utilizes various mechanisms to evade these host defenses to promote colonization and infection of the skin. This review will focus on host–pathogen interactions at the skin interface during the pathogenesis of S. aureus colonization and infection.

► S. aureus is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections.
► Commensal organisms and antimicrobial peptides protect against S. aureus skin colonization.
► Neutrophil recruitment to the skin promotes bacterial clearance.
► S. aureus possesses virulence factors that contribute to skin colonization and infection.