Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are a recently discovered family of amphipathic, alpha-helical peptides that have multiple roles in staphylococcal pathogenesis and contribute to a large extent to the pathogenic success of virulent staphylococci, such as Staphylococcus aureus. PSMs may cause lysis of many human cell types including leukocytes and erythrocytes, stimulate inflammatory responses, and contribute to biofilm development. PSMs appear to have an original role in the commensal lifestyle of staphylococci, where they facilitate growth and spreading on epithelial surfaces. Aggressive, cytolytic PSMs seem to have evolved from that original role and are mainly expressed in highly virulent S. aureus. Here, we will review the biochemistry, genetics, and role of PSMs in the commensal and pathogenic lifestyles of staphylococci, discuss how diversification of PSMs defines the aggressiveness of staphylococcal species, and evaluate potential avenues to target PSMs for drug development against staphylococcal infections.

中文翻译：

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酚溶性调节蛋白——葡萄球菌毒力的关键决定因素。

酚溶性调节蛋白 (PSM) 是最近发现的两亲性 α-螺旋肽家族，在葡萄球菌的发病机制中具有多种作用，并且在很大程度上有助于强毒葡萄球菌（例如金黄色葡萄球菌）的致病成功。PSM 可能导致包括白细胞和红细胞在内的许多人类细胞类型的裂解，刺激炎症反应，并促进生物膜的形成。PSM 似乎在葡萄球菌的共生生活方式中具有原始作用，它们促进上皮表面的生长和扩散。侵略性的、溶细胞的 PSM 似乎是从最初的角色演变而来的，主要在高毒力的金黄色葡萄球菌中表达。在这里，我们将回顾 PSM 在葡萄球菌共生和致病生活方式中的生物化学、遗传学和作用，