The Bicarbonate Transporter SLC4A7 Plays a Key Role in Macrophage Phagosome Acidification (Cell Host & Microbe)

Phagosome acidification is a necessary step in pathogen clearance by macrophages. Sedlyarov et al. identify the bicarbonate transporter SLC4A7 as essential for phagosome acidification. SLC4A7-mediated bicarbonate import ensures homeostatic regulation of cytoplasmic pH. In the absence of SLC4A7, the macrophage cytoplasm acidifies, which perturbs phagosome maturation and impairs bacterial killing by macrophages.