Staphylococcus aureus Leukocidins Target Endothelial DARC to Cause Lethality in Mice (Cell Host & Microbe)

Staphylococcus aureus produces a series of leukocidins that contribute to infection. Lubkin et al. show that two leukocidins, LukED and HlgAB, are lethal in vivo by targeting the vasculature via the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC). This work highlights the importance of endothelial cell targeting in S. aureus pathogenesis.