Capsular polysaccharide restrains type VI secretion in <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>.

ABSTRACT: The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a sophisticated, contact-dependent nanomachine involved in interbacterial competition. To function effectively, the T6SS must penetrate the membranes of both attacker and target bacteria. Structures associated with the cell envelope, like polysaccharides chains, can therefore introduce spatial separation and steric hindrance, potentially affecting the efficacy of the T6SS. In this study, we examined how the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of Acinetobacter baumannii affects T6SS's antibacterial function. Our findings show that the CPS confers resistance against T6SS-mediated assaults from rival bacteria. Notably, under typical growth conditions, the presence of the surface-bound capsule also reduces the efficacy of the bacterium's own T6SS. This T

SUBMITTER: Flaugnatti N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11731876 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature