Cathelicidins Mitigate Staphylococcus aureus Mastitis and Reduce Bacterial Invasion in Murine Mammary Epithelium

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus , an important cause of mastitis in mammals, is becoming increasingly problematic due to the development of resistance to conventional antibiotics. The ability of S. aureus to invade host cells is key to its propensity to evade immune defense and antibiotics. This study focuses on the functions of cathelicidins, small cationic peptides secreted by epithelial cells and leukocytes, in the pathogenesis of S. aureus mastitis in mice.