Neuraminidase 1-mediated desialylation of the mucin 1 ectodomain releases a decoy receptor that protects against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> lung infection.
We recently reported that Pa up-regulates the expression of MUC1 in primary human AMs and THP-1 macrophages, and that increased MUC1 expression in these cells prevents hyper-activation of macrophages that appears to be important for host defense against severe pathology of Pa lung infection.
These new findings point to an immunomodulatory role for MUC1 during <i>P. aeruginosa</i> lung infection, particularly during the resolution phase of inflammation.