The RAB32/BLOC-3 dependent pathway mediates host-defence against different pathogens in human macrophages

Abstract

Macrophages provide a first line of defence against microorganisms, and while some mechanisms to kill pathogens such as the oxidative burst are well described, others are still undefined or unknown. Here we report that the Rab32 GTPase and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor BLOC-3 are central components of a trafficking pathway that controls both bacterial and fungal intracellular pathogens. This broad host-defence mechanism is active in both human and murine macrophages and is independent of well known antimicrobial mechanisms such as the NADPH-dependent oxidative burst, production of nitric oxide and antimicrobial peptides. To survive in human macrophages, Salmonella Typhi actively counteracts the Rab32/BLOC-3 pathway through its Salmonella pathogenicity island-1-encoded type III secretion system. These findings demonstrate that the Rab32/BLOC-3 pathway is a novel and universal host-defence pathway and protects mammalian species from a wide range of intracellular pathogens.