α-Hemolysin is one of the most characteristic virulence factors secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, a polypeptide capable of destroying the host cell plasma membrane. After α-Hemolysin binds to the cell surface, its monomers assemble into a homoheptamer to form a front pore, which then transforms into a mature transmembrane pore water channel, allowing K+ and Ca2+ ion transport, leading to necrotic death of target cells[1].
References:
[1]. Robin R Craven, et al. Staphylococcus aureus alpha-hemolysin activates the NLRP3-inflammasome in human and mouse monocytic cells. PLoS One. 2009 Oct 14;4(10):e7446.