Targeted lysosomal activation in bladder epithelium enhances clearance of intracellular uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Targeted lysosomal activation by OM-89 boosts intracellular clearance of UPEC in bladder epithelium, reducing bacterial regrowth after antibiotics.

• Why it matters: Recurrent UTIs caused by UPEC establish intracellular reservoirs that resist antibiotics and immune defenses, creating a need for improved treatment strategies.
• What they did: The study used bladder organoids and epithelial monolayers to show that OM-89 enhances lysosomal acidification and protease activity, directing UPEC to degradative compartments and increasing antibiotic accumulation.
• The result: This approach strengthens bladder epithelial defenses, suggesting pharmacological reinforcement of antimicrobial pathways can improve clearance of intracellular bacteria and treatment outcomes.