Clinical <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> inhibits human T-cell activity through interaction with the PD-1 receptor

Abstract

Therapies that target and aid the host immune defense to repel cancer cells or invading pathogens are rapidly emerging. Antibiotic resistance is among the largest threats to human health globally. <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (<i>S. aureus</i>) is the most common bacterial infection, and it poses a challenge to the healthcare system due to its significant ability to develop resistance toward current available therapies. In long-term infections, <i>S. aureus</i> further adapt to avoid clearance by the host immune defense. In this study, we discover a new interaction that allows <i>S. aureus</i> to avoid elimination by the immune system, which likely supports its persistence in the host. Moreover, we find that blocking the specific receptor (PD-1) using antibodies significantly relieves the <i>S. aureus</i>-imposed inhibition. Our findings suggest that therapeutically targeting PD-1 is a possible future strategy for treating certain antibiotic-resistant staphylococcal infections.