PdpC, a secreted effector protein of the type six secretion system, is required for erythrocyte invasion by Francisella tularensis LVS

• DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.979693
• Publication Date: 2022-09-27T07:53:35Z
• Authors: Stuart Cantlay; Christian Kaftanic; Joseph Horzempa
• Keywords: Tularemia; Francisella; Secretory protein

Francisella tularensis is a gram negative, intracellular pathogen that the causative agent of potentially fatal disease, tularemia. During infection, F. engulfed by and replicates within host macrophages. Additionally, this bacterium has also been shown to invade human erythrocytes and, in both cases, Type Six Secretion System (T6SS) required for these host-pathogen interaction. One T6SS effector protein, PdpC, important macrophage playing role phagolysosomal escape replication. To determine if PdpC plays erythrocyte invasion, we constructed pdpC -null mutant live vaccine strain, LVS. We show invasion sheep during vitro assays reintroduction copy , trans rescues phenotype. The interaction with was further characterized using double-immunofluorescence microscopy attachment LVS as well invasion. learn more about generated strain expressing pdpC-emgfp . PdpC-EmGFP localizes discrete foci subset cells grown broth culture accumulates assays. Our results are first example secreted protein be involved indicate into