Legionella pneumophila effectors and mechanisms in regulating host vesicular trafficking

Abstract:

Legionella pneumophila secretes a large number of effectors into the host cytosol via its Dot/Icm type-IVB secretion system. Those effectors efficiently recruit important host proteins that participating in the process of host vesicular trafficking, thereby “kidnap” the intracellular vesicular trafficking in the host. This process ensures L. pneumophila’s intracellular replication and avoids host lysosome clearance. Effectors involved in the process including SidM, LidA, LepB, AnkX, Lem3, SidD, RalF, VipD et al. According to the studies of identification, functional detection and crystal structural analysis of those effectors, their sophisticated molecular mechanisms have been gradually revealed. Here we summarized the structures and mechanisms of well-known important effectors exploiting host vesicular trafficking, in favor of the comprehensively understanding of the intricate pathogen-host interaction process.

Key words:Legionella pneumophila, Vesicular trafficking, Effector, Structure, Molecular mechanism