The Ysa type 3 secretion system of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1B

Abstract

Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1B maintains two distinct and independently operating type 3 secretion (T3S) systems with the capacity to translocate toxic effector proteins into mammalian cells. Each of these T3S systems plays a role in the outcome of an infection by influencing different stages of infection. Recent investigations of the Ysa T3S system have revealed it is important for Y. enterocolitica survival during the gastrointestinal phase of infection. This sets this system apart from the Ysc T3S system which is important for systemic infections. Identification of the effector proteins has provided insight on how the Ysa T3S system modulates Y. enterocolitica interactions with the host. In part, the Ysa T3S system targets the innate immune response to suppress the ability of the host to rapidly clear an infection.