Macrophages can internalize the invading pathogens by raft/caveolae and/or clathrin-dependent endocytosis and elicit an immune response against infection. However, the molecular mechanism for macrophage endocytosis remains elusive. Here we report that LAPF (lysosome-associated and apoptosis-inducing protein containing PH and FYVE domains) is required for caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Lapf-deficient macrophages have impaired capacity to endocytose and eliminate bacteria. Macrophage-specific Lapf-deficient mice are more susceptible to Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection with higher bacterial loads. Moreover, Lapf deficiency impairs TLR4 endocytosis, resulting in attenuated production of TLR-triggered proinflammatory cytokines. LAPF is localized to early endosomes and interacts with caveolin-1. Phosphorylation of LAPF by the tyrosine kinase Src is required for LAPF-Src-Caveolin complex formation and endocytosis and elimination of bacteria. Collectively, our work demonstrates that LAPF is critical for endocytosis of bacteria and induction of inflammatory responses, suggesting that LAPF and Src could be potential targets for the control of infectious diseases.
Keywords: Caveolin-1; LAPF; endocytosis; inflammatory response; macrophage.