Abstract

Lysosomal cathepsins regulate an exquisite range of biological functions, and their deregulation is associated with inflammatory, metabolic, and degenerative diseases in humans. In this study, we identified a key cell-intrinsic role for cathepsin B as a negative feedback regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. Mice and macrophages lacking cathepsin B activity had increased resistance to the cytosolic bacterial pathogen Francisella novicida. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of cathepsin B down-regulated mechanistic target of rapamycin activity and prevented cleavage of the lysosomal calcium channel TRPML1. These events drove transcription of lysosomal and autophagy genes via transcription factor EB, which increased lysosomal biogenesis and activation of autophagy initiation kinase ULK1 for clearance of the bacteria. Our results identified a fundamental biological function of cathepsin B in providing a checkpoint for homeostatic maintenance of lysosome populations and basic recycling functions in the cell.

Department(s)

Biology

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20151938

Rights Information

© 2016 Qi, Xiaopeng, et al. Originally published in Journal of Experimental Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20151938

Keywords

Infectious disease and host defense, Innate immunity and inflammation

Publication Date

2016

Journal Title

Journal of Experimental Medicine

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