LytA, Major Autolysin of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Requires Access to Nascent Peptidoglycan

Background: The regulation of cell wall hydrolysis by the pneumococcal autolysin LytA is poorly understood. Results: The cell wall is susceptible to extracellular LytA only during the stationary phase or after cell wall synthesis inhibition. Conclusion: LytA is regulated on the substrate level, where peptidoglycan modifications likely prevent LytA hydrolysis. Significance: The control of amidases is essential for bacterial survival, cell-wall synthesis, and division.