Expression of Pls (Plasmin Sensitive) in<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>Negative for<i>pls</i>Reduces Adherence and Cellular Invasion and Acts by Steric Hindrance

Abstract

Expression of cell wall-anchored Pls reduces adherence and invasiveness independently of the MRSA/SCCmec background. This occurs despite early up-regulation of fnbA transcription and FnBP surface expression. Thus, Pls acts by steric hindrance rather than another mechanism.