Matrix metalloproteinases mediate influenza A-associated shedding of the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308648
• Publication Date: 2024-09-23T17:23:59Z
• Authors: Kaitlyn R. Schaaf; Stuart R. Landstreet; Nathan D. Putz; Samantha K. Gonski; Jason Lin; Charity J. Buggs; Dustin Gibson; Christophe J. Lan...; Christopher S. Je...; Nicolas M. Negretti; Jennifer M. S. Sucre; Eric P. Schmidt; Lorraine B. Ware; Julie A. Bastarache; Ciara M. Shaver
• Keywords: Glycocalyx; Matrix (chemical analysis)

The alveolar epithelium is protected by a heparan sulfate-rich, glycosaminoglycan layer called the epithelial glycocalyx. It cleaved in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and murine models of influenza A (IAV) infection, shedding fragments into airspace from cell surface. Glycocalyx results increased permeability alveolar-capillary barrier, amplifying lung injury. mechanisms underlying glycocalyx IAV infection are unknown. We hypothesized that induction host sheddases such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during