Staphylococcus aureus-specific skin resident memory T cells protect against bacteria colonization but exacerbate atopic dermatitis-like flares in mice.

Background: The contribution of Staphylococcus aureus to the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (AD) is widely documented, but its role as a primary trigger of AD skin symptoms remains poorly explored.

Objectives: This study sought to reappraise the main bacterial factors and underlying immune mechanisms by which S aureus triggers AD-like inflammation.

Methods: This study capitalized on a preclinical model, in which different clinical isolates were applied in the absence of any prior experimental skin injury.