Staphylococcus aureus Exfoliative toxin A

Staphylococcus aureus Exfoliative toxin A is a secreted toxin produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus, primarily associated with staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)-a severe skin infection, especially in infants and immunocompromised individuals. The toxin acts as a serine protease, specifically cleaving desmoglein 1, a protein that maintains the adhesion between keratinocytes in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). This cleavage disrupts skin integrity, leading to widespread blistering, peeling, and a "scalded" appearance. Unlike other Staphylococcus aureus toxins that cause systemic toxicity, Exfoliative toxin A acts locally on the skin. It also exhibits immunogenicity, and detection of antibodies against this toxin can aid in diagnosing SSSS. Given its role in causing tissue damage, targeting Exfoliative toxin A-either through neutralizing antibodies in vaccines or inhibitors of its protease activity-could prevent or reduce the severity of SSSS and other toxin-mediated skin infections.