Activation of Type I IFN signaling by staphylococcus aureus

Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen. It is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia as well as pneumonia as a complication of influenza infection. The type I IFN pathway was initially characterized as a viral defense mechanism but it is now appreciated bacteria can also activate this response. This chapter gives an overview of the role type I IFNs play in the host response to infection with S. aureus. The role this pathway plays in clearance of bacteria from different host sites and in the context of co-infection with influenza is examined. The signaling components that are activated in response to different strains are also discussed. Recent work has begun to examine the bacterial mechanisms that lead to activation of this pathway.