Host cell signaling proteins modulated by Type III secretion system effectors

Host cell signaling proteins modulated by Type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors represent a broad class of eukaryotic molecules targeted by Gram-negative bacteria to facilitate infection (Galán & Wolf-Watz, 2006). Pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia use the T3SS "needle" to inject effector proteins that mimic or enzymatically modify host proteins involved in the cytoskeleton, inflammatory signaling, and cell survival (Coburn et al., 2007). Common host targets include Rho-family GTPases (e.g., Rac1, Cdc42), MAP kinases, and the NF-kappaB signaling complex, which are manipulated to promote bacterial internalization or evade the immune system (Raymond et al., 2013). Because this term describes a functional group of diverse proteins rather than a single molecular entity, it is not a specific therapeutic target in the traditional sense. However, the interaction between T3SS effectors and these host proteins is a major focus for developing "anti-virulence" drugs that aim to block bacterial pathogenesis without exerting the selective pressure of traditional antibiotics (Keyser et al., 2008).

Other names

Host targets of T3SS effectorsT3SS-modulated host proteinsHost-pathogen interaction signaling componentsT3SS host targets

Inhibition of the bacterial Type III secretion system (T3SS) machinery to prevent the translocation of effector proteins into the host cell, thereby protecting host signaling pathways from subversion (Keyser et al., 2008).