Type 3 secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, mainly affecting severe patients, such as those in intensive care units (ICUs). High levels of antibiotic resistance and a long battery of virulence factors characterise this pathogen. Among virulence factors, the T3SS (Type 3 Secretion Systems) are especially relevant, being one of the most important virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. T3SS are a complex ?molecular syringe? able to inject different effectors in host cells, subverting cell machinery influencing immune responses, and increasing bacterial survival rates. While T3SS have been largely studied and the molecular structure and main effector functions have been established, a series of questions and further points remain to be clarified or established. The key role of T3SS in P. aeruginosa virulence has resulted in the search for T3SS-targeting molecules able to impair their functions and subsequently improve patient outcomes. This review aims to summarise the most relevant features of the P. aeruginosa T3SS.

Automated summary

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that mainly affects severe patients in ICUs, characterized by high levels of antibiotic resistance and a long battery of virulence factors. Among these factors, T3SS plays a key role in injecting effectors into host cells and influencing immune responses to increase bacterial survival rates. Despite extensive research on T3SS, there are still questions and further points to be clarified or established. Efforts are being made to develop T3SS-targeting molecules to improve patient outcomes.