VopV, an F-Actin-Binding Type III Secretion Effector, Is Required for Vibrio parahaemolyticus-Induced Enterotoxicity

SummaryVibrio parahaemolyticus, a Gram-negative halophilic bacterium that causes acute gastroenteritis in humans, is characterized by two type III secretion systems (T3SS), namely T3SS1 and T3SS2. T3SS2 is indispensable for enterotoxicity but the effector(s) involved are unknown. Here, we identify VopV as a critical effector that is required to mediate V. parahaemolyticus T3SS2-dependent enterotoxicity. VopV was found to possess multiple F-actin-binding domains and the enterotoxicity caused by VopV correlated with its F-actin-binding activity. Furthermore, a T3SS2-related secretion system and a vopV homologous gene were also involved in the enterotoxicity of a non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae strain. These results indicate that the F-actin-targeting effector VopV is involved in enterotoxic activity of T3SS2-possessing bacterial pathogens.

► VopV is a T3SS2 effector required for V. parahaemolyticus-induced enterotoxicity
► VopV binds directly to F-actin via multiple domains
► VopV's enterotoxic activity correlates with the F-actin binding
► T3SS2 and vopV homologue also mediate enterotoxicity of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae