Lucky number seven: RNase 7 can prevent staphylococcus aureus skin colonization

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus colonization is a major risk factor for infection. In this issue, Simanski et al. demonstrate that the antimicrobial peptide RNase 7 is essential for preventing S. aureus colonization in human skin. These findings suggest that therapeutic interventions aimed at targeting RNase 7 production in the skin may be a novel strategy to protect against S. aureus infections. © 2010 The Society for Investigative Dermatology.