Abstract
Formation of subcorneal pustules characterizes the skin lesions infected byStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) . To elucidate the mechanism underlying the pustule formation as well as that of anti-bacterial host defence, we studied the effect of protein A on the interaction between corneocytes and neutrophils.
We found that protein A significantly promoted opsonized corneocytes-induced chemiluminescence (CL) in neutrophils. It took place even with agammaglobulinemia serum, ruling out the possibility of the involvement of Fc-receptors of neutrophils. Microscopic observation of such corneocytes revealed an increase in the number of neutrophils adhering to their surface. Ultrastructural observation showed a distinct deformation of the neutrophils adhering the surface of the corneocytes. Such features indicating enhanced frustrated phagocytosis of neutrophils seem to suggest that they play an important role in the host defence mechanisms against the invadingS. aureusby producing the characteristic pustules due to the neutrophil-mediated damage of the surrounding tissue.
