Mammalian peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are innate immune effectors that kill bacteria by unclear mechanisms. Kashyap et al. now provide insight into this question and report that PGRPs activate the bacterial two-component system that normally rids the cell of unfolded proteins. PGRP activation of this system abrogates metabolic functions, leading to accumulation of hydroxyl radicals and bacterial cell death.
- Des Raj Kashyap
- Minhui Wang
- Roman Dziarski
