In conclusion, this study identifies abnormally activated SLC7A11 expression in macrophages as a critical mediator responsible for the impaired antimicrobial activity in a mice model of S. aureus-induced osteomyelitis, and also reveals that SLC7A11 has a suppressive effect on the PD-L1 signaling in persistent S. aureus infection. Here, CD274 is linked to osteomyelitis.