AUTHOR=van Kessel Kok P. M. , Bestebroer Jovanka , van Strijp Jos A. G. 

TITLE=Neutrophil-Mediated Phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=5

YEAR=2014

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2014.00467

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2014.00467

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>Initial elimination of invading <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic> from the body is mediated by professional phagocytes. The neutrophil is the major phagocyte of the innate immunity and plays a key role in the host defense against staphylococcal infections. Opsonization of the bacteria with immunoglobulins and complement factors enables efficient recognition by the neutrophil that subsequently leads to intracellular compartmentalization and killing. Here, we provide a review of the key processes evolved in neutrophil-mediated phagocytosis of <italic>S. aureus</italic> and briefly describe killing. As <italic>S. aureus</italic> is not helpless against the professional phagocytes, we will also highlight its immune evasion arsenal related to phagocytosis.</p>