This family consists of several different short Staphylococcal proteins known as the phenol-soluble modulin beta proteins. The family contains SLUSH A, B and C proteins as well as haemolysin and gonococcal growth inhibitor. Some strains of the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus lugdunensis produce a synergistic hemolytic activity (SLUSH), phenotypically similar to the delta-hemolysin of S. aureus [1]. Gonococcal growth inhibitor from Staphylococcus act on the cytoplasmic membrane of the gonococcal cell causing cytoplasmic leakage and, eventually, death [2].

1: Synergistic hemolytic activity of Staphylococcus lugdunensis is mediated by three peptides encoded by a non-agr genetic locus. Donvito B, Etienne J, Denoroy L, Greenland T, Benito Y, Vandenesch F; Infect Immun 1997;65:95-100. PMID:8975897

2: Site of action of a gonococcal growth inhibitor produced by Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Frenette M, Beaudet R, Bisaillon JG, Portelance V; J Med Microbiol 1988;26:199-204. PMID:3134553

3: Solution Structures of Phenol-Soluble Modulins alpha1, alpha3, and beta2, Virulence Factors from Staphylococcus aureus. Towle KM, Lohans CT, Miskolzie M, Acedo JZ, van Belkum MJ, Vederas JC; Biochemistry. 2016;55:4798-4806. PMID:27525453