Structure, Function, and Regulation of LytA: The <i>N</i>-Acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine Amidase Driving the "Suicidal Tendencies" of <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i>-A Review.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a significant human pathogen responsible for a range of diseases from mild infections to invasive pneumococcal diseases, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Despite pneumococcal conjugate vaccines having reduced disease incidence, challenges persist due to serotype diversity, vaccine coverage gaps, and antibiotic resistance. This review highlights the role of LytA, a key autolysin (N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase), in pneumococcal biology. LytA regulates autolysis, contributes to inflammation, and biofilm formation, and impairs bacterial clearance. It also modulates complement activation, aiding immune evasion. LytA expression is influenced by environmental signals and genetic regulatio

SUBMITTER: Garcia E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12029793 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature