Type IIA Secreted Phospholipase A2 in Host Defense against Bacterial Infections

Vincent van Hensbergen (1) , Yongzheng Wu (2) , Nina van Sorge (1) , Lhousseine Touqui (3)

1 Utrecht University [Utrecht]
2 Biologie cellulaire de l'Infection microbienne - Cellular Biology of Microbial Infection
3 Mucoviscidose et bronchopathies chroniques : biopathologie et phénotype cliniques - Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchial Diseases

The enzyme type IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) is crucial for mammalian innate host defense against bacterial pathogens. Most studies have investigated the role of sPLA2-IIA in systemic bacterial infections, identifying molecular pathways of bacterial resistance against sPLA2-IIA-mediated killing, and providing insight into sPLA2-IIA mechanisms of action. Sensitization of (antibiotic-resistant) bacteria to sPLA2-IIA action by blocking bacterial resistance or by applying sPLA2-IIA to treat bacterial infections might represent a therapeutic option in the future. Because sPLA2-IIA is highly expressed at mucosal barriers, we also discuss how sPLA2-IIA is likely to be an important driver of microbiome composition; we anticipate that future research in this area may bring new insights into the role of sPLA2-IIA in health and disease.

Keywords: antimicrobial enzyme; bacteria; infections; microbiome; phospholipase; virulence

Domains: Innate immunity; Infectious diseases

Vincent van Hensbergen, Yongzheng Wu, Nina van Sorge, Lhousseine Touqui. Type IIA Secreted Phospholipase A2 in Host Defense against Bacterial Infections. Trends in Immunology, 2020, 41 (4), pp.313-326. ⟨10.1016/j.it.2020.02.003⟩. ⟨pasteur-02863073⟩