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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Phenol-soluble modulin alpha (PSMα)
- Target
- PSMα
- Molecular classification
- Peptide, Toxin, Virulence factor
01
Overview
Phenol-soluble modulin alpha is a short peptide toxin produced mainly by *Staphylococcus aureus*. It is an important virulence determinant due to its ability to lyse host immune cells, promote inflammation, assist biofilm dynamics, and help bacteria evade immune detection. Its structure—a bent amphipathic helix—enables membrane interaction leading to cytotoxic effects. The diversity among staphylococci reflects adaptation for both commensalism and pathogenicity. Detection relies on advanced chromatographic purification followed by mass spectrometry-based identification methods.
- Other names
- PSMalphaPSMα1PSMα2PSMα3PSMα4
02
Mechanism of action
Membrane disruption, TLR2 activation via lipoprotein mobilization, modulation of dendritic cell activity
03
Biological functions
CytolysisInflammationBiofilm formationImmune evasionTLR2 ligand mobilizationModulation of dendritic cell responses
04
Disease associations
InfectionStaphylococcal infectionsMRSA infections
05
Safety considerations
CytotoxicityPro-inflammatory effectsPotential for immune suppression
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