Apoptosis Induced byStaphylococcus aureusin Epithelial Cells Utilizes a Mechanism Involving Caspases 8 and 3

Abstract
In this study, we demonstrate that the mechanism by whichStaphylococcus aureusinduces apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells involves caspases 8 and 3, two key components of a proteolytic cascade leading to apoptosis. In addition, internalizedS. aureusinduces expression of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1β by MAC-T cells. These data suggest that the internalization ofS. aureuscould induce specific cellular responses in vivo that may ultimately impact the course of infection.