Certain embodiments are directed to compositions and methods of inhibiting a pathogenic bacterial infection involving ADAM10, specifically a method for treating pore-forming toxin-inducted pathology caused by exposure to staphylococcus in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of a ADAM10 inhibitor to a patient. The methods include treating pneumonia or inhibiting disruption to epithelial barrier in a subject, having or at risk of developing staphylococcal infection.