B. Shopsin

Sex-dependent gastrointestinal colonization resistance to MRSA is microbiota and Th17 dependent

This study shows female mice clear MRSA from the gut faster than males, relying on gut microbiota and Th17 cells, while ovariectomy reduces this resistance.

Microbiota and metabolic adaptation shape Staphylococcus aureus virulence and antimicrobial resistance during intestinal colonization

This study shows that gut microbiota depletion allows MRSA to adapt through genetic changes that enhance colonization fitness but reduce antimicrobial resistance and virulence.

Prophage-encoded methyltransferase drives adaptation of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

This study identifies a prophage-encoded methyltransferase, pamA, that enhances virulence in CA-MRSA by epigenetically upregulating fnbA, promoting biofilm formation and abscess size.

Heterozygosity for Crohn's Disease Risk Allele of ATG16L1 Protects against Bacterial Infection

The paper shows that heterozygosity for the ATG16L1 T300A allele protects against Salmonella infection, while homozygosity increases susceptibility.

Quorum-sensing agr system of Staphylococcus aureus primes gene expression for protection from lethal oxidative stress

This study shows that the agr quorum-sensing system in Staphylococcus aureus primes the bacteria to resist oxidative stress by controlling reactive oxygen species, even when the system is not actively activated.

ACE2-containing defensosomes serve as decoys to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection

The paper identifies ACE2-containing exosomes, termed defensosomes, that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection by binding and blocking viral entry.

Gut microbiome dysbiosis during COVID-19 is associated with increased risk for bacteremia and microbial translocation.

The paper shows that gut microbiome dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients is linked to increased risk of bacteremia and microbial translocation.