Research progress in the type Ⅱ secretion system of Legionella pneumophila and its substrates

Abstract:

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) is a distinct model for pathogen-host interaction research. Its unique secretion systems as well as the structures and functions of their substrate effectors are the research hotspots in the field of pathogenic microorganism. Type Ⅱ secretion system (T2SS) plays a major role in promoting bacterial survival in the environment and in human hosts, and Legionella secretion pathway (Lsp) is a typical T2SS in Gram-negative pathogens. This review briefly summarizes the research progress of L. pneumophila T2SS and its substrate effectors, emphasizing on their structures and functions, so as to provide in-depth understanding of the function and mechanism of T2SS in Gram-negative pathogens.