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Phospholipase A2 Activity Exhibited by a Bacterial Virulence Protein That Enters and Operates Within a Variety of Host Cells

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Phospholipases in Health and Disease

Part of the book series: Advances in Biochemistry in Health and Disease ((ABHD,volume 10))

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Abstract

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a pivotal enzyme in human health and disease. With approximately 30 isoforms exhibiting PLA2 activity expressed within or secreted by a variety of cell and tissue types, the functional significance of this enzyme is multifaceted. Mammalian PLA2s are known contributors during host–pathogen interactions during infectious disease processes. Interestingly, several bacterial pathogens themselves express PLA2 enzymes that exhibit a patatin domain and have sequence similarity to cytosolic and calcium-independent PLA2s. The most prominent example termed ExoU is expressed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and operates exclusively in eukaryotic host cells. ExoU serves as a potent cytotoxin expressed by P. aeruginosa clinical isolates most associated with severe acute pneumonia and microbial keratitis. The PLA2 activity of ExoU is responsible for this potent toxicity and is also capable of mediating host production of eicosanoids and stimulating cytokine and chemokine production in a variety of cell types. Efforts are underway to better understand and potentially neutralize these potent microbial PLA2 virulence factors.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Bryan P. Hurley

  2. Mucosal Immunology & Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, CNY 114 (114-3503), Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA

    Bryan P. Hurley

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  1. Bryan P. Hurley
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Correspondence to Bryan P. Hurley .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. I.H. Asper Clinical Research Institute St. Boniface Hospital Research, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Paramjit S. Tappia

  2. St. Boniface Hosp. Research, Univ. of Ma Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Naranjan S. Dhalla

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Hurley, B.P. (2014). Phospholipase A2 Activity Exhibited by a Bacterial Virulence Protein That Enters and Operates Within a Variety of Host Cells. In: Tappia, P., Dhalla, N. (eds) Phospholipases in Health and Disease. Advances in Biochemistry in Health and Disease, vol 10. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0464-8_8

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