Mutations in ATP8b1 are found in certain individuals susceptible to pneumonia. Ray et al. now report that bacterial pneumonia is associated with elevated levels of the phospholipid cardiolipin in airway fluids, that ATP8b1 is a cardiolipin importer and that excessive cardiolipin in the lung contributes to impaired lung function. The findings suggest that ATP8b1 might be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of pneumonia.
- Nancy B Ray
- Lakshmi Durairaj
- Rama K Mallampalli
