Yop secretion protein F (YscF) (YscF)

Yop secretion protein F (YscF) is a critical structural component of the Type III Secretion System (T3SS) in Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of the plague. It polymerizes to form the external needle-like structure of the injectosome, which acts as a molecular syringe to deliver virulence factors, known as Yersinia outer proteins (Yops), directly into the cytoplasm of host immune cells. This process is essential for the bacterium to subvert the host immune response, inhibit phagocytosis, and establish a systemic infection. Due to its surface-exposed nature and indispensable role in virulence, YscF is a primary target for the development of next-generation subunit vaccines and anti-virulence therapeutics. Research has demonstrated that immunization with recombinant YscF can elicit protective antibody responses in animal models, making it a promising candidate for preventing both bubonic and pneumonic forms of the disease.

Other names

Type III secretion system needle protein YscFT3SS needle subunitYop secretion protein FInjectosome needle protein

Vaccine-induced production of neutralizing antibodies that bind to the surface-exposed needle protein, potentially blocking the assembly or function of the Type III secretion system and preventing the injection of cytotoxic Yop effectors into host cells.