Abstract
Acidification of phagosomes has been proposed to have a key role in the microbicidal function of phagocytes. Here, we show that in alveolar macrophages the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel (CFTR) participates in phagosomal pH control and has bacterial killing capacity. Alveolar macrophages from Cftr-/- mice retained the ability to phagocytose and generate an oxidative burst, but exhibited defective killing of internalized bacteria. Lysosomes from CFTR-null macrophages failed to acidify, although they retained normal fusogenic capacity with nascent phagosomes. We hypothesize that CFTR contributes to lysosomal acidification and that in its absence phagolysosomes acidify poorly, thus providing an environment conducive to bacterial replication.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cyclic AMP / physiology
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Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / biosynthesis
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Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / genetics
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Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / physiology*
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Humans
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Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
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In Vitro Techniques
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Ion Channel Gating
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Lysosomes / physiology
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Macrophages / metabolism
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Macrophages / microbiology
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Macrophages / physiology*
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Macrophages, Alveolar / metabolism
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Macrophages, Alveolar / microbiology
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Macrophages, Alveolar / physiology
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Macrophages, Peritoneal / metabolism
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Macrophages, Peritoneal / physiology
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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Microbial Viability
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Neutrophils / metabolism
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Neutrophils / physiology
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Phagocytosis / physiology*
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Phagosomes / physiology*
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology*
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Respiratory Burst
Substances
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Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator
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Cyclic AMP