Genomic profiling and experimental validation of type VI secretion system-associated proteins in Klebsiella.

ABSTRACT: Klebsiella is widely distributed in nature and recognized for its dual role as a human commensal and an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing severe infections. Among its key virulence mechanisms, the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) plays a critical role in microbial competition, interspecies interactions, and environmental adaptation. In this study, we investigated a representative set of high-quality Klebsiella genomes and identified two major T6SS loci (T6SSkleb1 and T6SSkleb2), which exhibit distinct structural features and are predominantly found within the Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC). Comparative genomics further revealed the diverse distribution of effector and immunity proteins and their correlation with T6SS loci. Based on this distributional bias, we develope

SUBMITTER: Zhu N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12469244 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature