cPLA 2 α targeting to exosomes connects nuclear deformation to LTB 4 -signaling during neutrophil chemotaxis
- Subhash B. Arya
- Fatima Jordan-Javed
- Kristen Loesel
- Yehyun Choi
- Samuel P. Collie
- Lauren E. Hein
- Brendon M. Baker
- Euisik Yoon
- Carole A. Parent
2026-02-20
Efficient neutrophil chemotaxis requires the integration of mechanical forces and lipid-mediated signaling. While the signaling lipid leukotriene B4 (LTB 4 ) reinforces cellular polarity, how mechanical cues regulate its production remains unclear. We now show that cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA 2 α), which is essential for the synthesis of LTB 4 , functions as a nuclear curvosensor. cPLA 2 α responds to nuclear squeezing by localizing to ceramide-rich inner nuclear membrane microdomains and incorporating onto the exofacial surface of nuclear envelope–derived exosomes. This unique topology enables localized LTB 4 synthesis, which synchronizes calcium spikes, promotes myosin light chain II phosphorylation, and sustains polarity and directional persistence after constriction. In neutrophils passing through tight spaces, cPLA 2 α activity drives the chemotactic response to nuclear squeezing by promoting exosomal LTB 4 production and persistence after constriction. These findings uncover a cPLA 2 α-dependent mechanochemical axis linking nuclear architecture to chemotactic efficiency and offer alternative strategies to modulate inflammatory responses.