葡萄球菌与宿主免疫系统互作及免疫逃逸机制与研究进展

Research advances in Staphylococcus-host immune system interactions and immune evasion mechanisms

摘要:

葡萄球菌与宿主免疫系统的动态互作过程决定了其致病特点的多样性。在感染的侵袭阶段，葡萄球菌通过释放α-毒素、蛋白酶及超抗原，破坏中性粒细胞、降解补体蛋白，并诱导免疫应答过度活化，进而突破宿主固有免疫屏障。当侵入定殖后，葡萄球菌通过形成生物被膜建立物理屏障，或形成小菌落变异体减弱免疫系统识别，或侵入宿主细胞逃逸免疫清除。葡萄球菌急性期通过毒力因子分泌，表现为主动攻击的感染特点，慢性持续性感染阶段，通过免疫逃逸表现为被动防御的感染特点。基于上述机制，新型防治策略需同时抑制毒力因子产生，并阻断免疫逃逸途径。结合课题组前期工作，本文系统梳理了葡萄球菌-宿主免疫系统互作及免疫逃逸机制，为防治葡萄球菌感染提供了参考。

Abstract:

The dynamic interactions between Staphylococcus and the host immune system determine the diversity of the pathogenic characteristics of Staphylococcus. During the invasive phase of infection, Staphylococcus breaches the host's innate immune barriers by releasing α-toxin, proteases, and superantigens, which compromise neutrophils, degrade complement proteins, and induce hyperactivation of immune responses. Following invasion and colonization, Staphylococcus establishes physical barriers through biofilm formation, evades immune recognition by generating small colony variants (SCVs), or infiltrates host cells to escape immune clearance. In acute infections, the pathogen exhibits aggressive traits via virulence factor secretion, whereas during chronic persistent infections, it adopts passive defense mechanisms through immune evasion. On the basis of these mechanisms, novel prevention and therapeutic strategies must simultaneously inhibit virulence factor production and block immune evasion pathways. Integrating our previous studies, this article systematically reviews the Staphylococcus-host immune system interactions and immune evasion mechanisms, aiming to provide insights for combating staphylococcal infections.