A subset of type 4 secretion system effectors of Brucella spp. associates to outer membrane vesicles
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ABSTRACT: The establishment of a replicative niche in the hostile environment of the host presents an enormous challenge for pathogens. Intracellular pathogens such as Brucella spp., the Gram-negative causative agents of Brucellosis, must subvert diverse host functions to ensure survival and replication. To schieve this, Brucella translocates effector proteins into host cells via its type 4 secretion system (T4SS), a key virulence factor. Here, we demonstrate that a subset of previously described effector proteins associates with outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in different Brucella species. Most of these effector proteins encode predicted signal peptides for periplasmic export or transmembrane domains. Among them, BspC and VceA carry functional signal peptides that direct their export into the periplasm in a Sec-dependent manner. From the periplasm these proteins are subsequently secreted into the extracellular milieu, likely via the formation and release of OMVs. Our findings provide new insights into protein secretion by Brucella, suggesting that OMVs may represent an alternative secretion pathway to the T4SS.
INSTRUMENT(S):
ORGANISM(S): Brucella Abortus 2038
SUBMITTER:
Naadir Ganief
LAB HEAD: Christoph Dehio
PROVIDER: PXD067564 | Pride | 2026-01-05
REPOSITORIES: Pride
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