FIG 8.

Summary of results. The activity of leukocidins PVL and gamma hemolysin AB (HlgAB) released from biofilms results in the induction of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis). While anuclear, neutrophils are still capable of penetrating the biofilm structure and phagocytosing bacteria; the antimicrobial activity of NETs is insufficient for clearing S. aureus biofilms. The leukocidin LukAB allows survival of bacteria during phagocytosis, and NET DNA is broken down by the nuclease (Nuc), resulting in dispersal of bacteria and thus perpetuating chronic infection. (Copyright The Ohio State University.)