摘要：SummaryChloride ion plays critical roles in modulating immunological interactions. Herein, we demonstrated that the anion channel CLIC2α mediates Cl−flux to regulate hemocytes functions in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). Specifically, during infection byVibrio parahemolyticus, chloride influx was activated following onset of phagocytosis. Phosphorylation of Akt was stimulated by Cl−ions entering host cells, further contributing to signal transduction regulating internalization of bacteria through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Concomitantly, Cl−entered phagosomes, promoted the acidification and maturation of phagosomes, and contributed to production of HOCl to eradicate engulfed bacteria. Finally, genomic screening reveals CLIC2α as a major Cl−channel gene responsible for regulating Cl−influx in oysters. Knockdown of CLIC2α predictably impeded phagosome acidification and restricted bacterial killing in oysters. In conclusion, our work has established CLIC2α as a prominent regulator of Cl−influx and thus Cl−function inC. gigasin bacterial infection contexts.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Influx of chloride ions is switched on during phagocytosis in oyster hemocytes•PI3K/Akt signaling pathway mediates chloride-dependent activation of phagocytosis•Cl−promotes phagosomal acidification and HOCl production•CLIC2α is the principal chloride channel encoding gene within oyster genomeCell Biology; Immunology; Microbiology
