CXCL2 and infection: Further, an exciting study revealed the existence of a signaling pathway essential for skin resistance to pathogen infection occurs through the interaction between the epithelium and neutrophils via defensins.60 Upon Staphylococcus aureus infection, defensins are released by keratinocytes and activate Mrgpra2 receptors on neutrophils, which results in IL-1β and CXCL2 release to promote infection resistance.