T6SS-effector hunters uncover PIX: a novel delivery/marker domain

Trends Microbiol. 2024 Apr 27:S0966-842X(24)00094-5. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.04.009. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Gram-negative bacteria use the T6SS to eject effectors into prey cells, aided by delivery domains. Recently uncovered by Carobbi et al., a new delivery domain, PIX, allowed the identification of hundreds of new effectors. They are order- and function-specific and exclusively orphan effectors, raising novel questions in the field.

Keywords: FIX; MIX; PIX; RIX; T6SS marker; antieukaryotic; antimicrobial; delivery domain; effectors.