β-hemolysin causes skin inflammation by acting as an agonist of epidermal growth factor receptor.

is a Gram-positive opportunistic bacterium that is responsible for the majority of skin infections in humans. Our study provides important molecular insights into the pathogenesis of skin infections and identifies a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these infections. Our findings also indicate that β-hemolysin (Hlb) secreted by colonized is a risk factor for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-related diseases by acting as an agonist of EGFR. The neutralized monoclonal antibody we have developed for the first time will provide a functional inhibitor of Hlb. This study provides important insights to better understand the relationship between the skin colonization of and inflammatory skin diseases.