Eukaryotic virulence determinants utilize phosphoinositides at the ER and host cell surface

► Eukaryotic pathogens use common strategies to target virulence proteins into host cells. ► Binding of the lipid PI(3)P is a critical step in virulence-related trafficking. ► The high PI(3)P affinity of effectors from pathogens defines them as novel lipid-interacting proteins.