Leukocidin S subunit of Panton–Valentine leukocidin (LukS-PV)

The Leukocidin S subunit of Panton–Valentine leukocidin (LukS-PV) is one component of the two-part PVL toxin secreted by *Staphylococcus aureus*. PVL functions as a bi-component exotoxin composed of LukS-PV (S component) and LukF-PV (F component), which together form octameric β-barrel pores in the membranes of immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages. LukS-PV binds first to specific host cell receptors, enabling LukF-PV to join, resulting in pore formation and rapid cell lysis. This mechanism is a major virulence factor in severe *S. aureus* infections, including community-acquired MRSA, skin abscesses, and necrotizing pneumonia. The gene encoding LukS-PV is located on lysogenic bacteriophages in *S. aureus*, and its presence is associated with increased bacterial virulence and poor clinical outcomes.

Other names

LukS-PVPVL S subunitPanton–Valentine leukocidin S componentStaphylococcal leukocidin S componentPVL-S

The LukS-PV binds first to specific receptors on the host immune cell surface, enables recruitment of the F component (LukF-PV), then together assemble into an oligomeric pore that disrupts cell membranes, causing lysis