ROLE OF THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRANSMEMBRANE REGULATOR (CFTR) CHLORIDE CHANNEL IN MACROPHAGE LYSOSOME ACIDIFICATION

Abstract

Background: Lysosome acidification is the result of proton pumping by thevacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase). Because the V-ATPase is electrogenic, a substantial lysosomal membrane potential can develop if left uncompensated by counterions. An increasing membrane potential will oppose further proton pumping, limiting the acidification. It has generally been assumed that a parallel anion influx accompanies proton pumping to enable acidification. Indeed, defective anion channel function in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been suggested as the mechanism underlying attenuated lysosomal acidification and impaired microbial killing in the lung (Di A, et al., 2006, Nature Cell Biol. 8, 933-944). Chronic lung inflammation and infection represent the major source of morbidity and mortality in CF, and understanding the mechanism underlying the disease will therefore have far-reaching therapeutic implications. As such, it is important to accurately evaluate the reported role of CFTR in lysosome acidification.

Methods: To assess the individual contribution of counterions to acidification, we carried out cytosolic and lysosomal ion substitution experiments in intact cells while monitoring lysosomal pH by ratiometric imaging.

Results: Replacement of cytosolic Cl^- with impermeant anions did not alter the rate or extent of proton pumping. In contrast, permeant luminalcations were required for normal acidification. Because cations are the main counterion for lysosomal proton uptake, defects in the lysosomal pH are not anticipated in CF cells. Accordingly, the lysosomes of CFTR-deficient alveolar macrophages were found to acidify normally.

Conclusion: We conclude that cations are the primary counterions responsible for lysosomal acidification and that defects in lysosomal anion conductance cannot explain the impaired microbicidal capacity of CF phagocytes.