Fig. 1: Staphylococcal immune escape mechanisms: blocking of opsonophagocytic killing by the critical virulence factors SpA and LukAB.

A Antibody-mediated opsonophagocytic killing is the primary immune mechanism against S. aureus; B In the unvaccinated state, S. aureus escapes clearance by SpA and LukAB toxin; C a TH1/ TH17 immune response is needed for protection against deep surgical site and skin infection. IFNγ interferon gamma, IgG Immunoglobulin G, SAUR S. aureus, TH1/ TH17 T helper type 1/17 cells, Trm tissue-resident memory T cells, IL17A Interleukin 17A, LukAB leucocidin AB SpA Staphylococcal protein A.