Certain embodiments are directed to compositions and methods of inhibiting pathogenic bacterial infection involving ADAMIO comprising administering an effective amount of a metalloprotease inhibitor to a patient. Certain embodiments are directed to method of inhibiting Staphylococcal infection comprising administering an effective amount of a metalloprotease inhibitor to a patient. Other embodiments concern methods of inhibiting infection by a bacteria from the genus Clostridium, Streptococcus, Listeria, Bacillus, or Arcanobacterium.