Metabolism Shapes Immune Responses to <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (<i>S. aureus</i>) is a common cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections that can result in various clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe disease. The bacterium utilizes different combinations of virulence factors and biofilm formation to establish a successful infection, and the emergence of methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant strains introduces additional challenges for infection management and treatment. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Metabolic programming of immune cells regulates the balance of energy requirements for activation and dictates pro- versus anti-inflammatory function. Recent investigations into metabolic adaptations of leukocytes and <i>S. aureus</i> during infection indicate that metabolic crosstalk plays a crucial role in pathogenesis. Furthermore, <i>S. aureus</i> can modify its metabolic profile to fit an array of niches for commensal or invasive growth. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> Here we focus on the current understanding of immunometabolism during <i>S. aureus</i> infection and explore how metabolic crosstalk between the host and <i>S. aureus</i> influences disease outcome. We also discuss how key metabolic pathways influence leukocyte responses to other bacterial pathogens when information for <i>S. aureus</i> is not available. A better understanding of how <i>S. aureus</i> and leukocytes adapt their metabolic profiles in distinct tissue niches may reveal novel therapeutic targets to prevent or control invasive infections.