#Staphylococcus secretes toxins such as PVL to kill immune cells, incl macrophages. This study shows that PVL binds anionic #phospholipids under acidic conditions, targeting lysosomal & mitochondrial #membranes (but not plasma membrane) to promote bacterial escape @PLOSBiology https://plos.io/3RvcArh
Staphylococcal toxin PVL ruptures model membranes under acidic conditions through interactions with cardiolipin and phosphatidic acid

Staphylococcus aureus secretes toxins, such as Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), to kill immune cells, including macrophages. This study shows that PVL binds phosphatidic acid and cardiolipin in acidic conditions, targeting lysosomal and mitochondrial membranes (but not the plasma membrane) to promote bacterial escape.