A Legionella effector ADP-ribosyltransferase inactivates glutamate dehydrogenase

ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) are a widespread superfamily of enzymes frequently employed in pathogenic strategies of bacteria. Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of a severe form of pneumonia known as Legionnaire's disease, has acquired over 330 translocated effectors that showcase remarkable biochemical and structural diversity. However, the ART effectors that influence L. pneumophila have not been well defined. Here, we took a bioinformatic approach to search the Legionella effector repertoire for additional divergent members of the ART superfamily and identified an ART domain in Legionella pneumophila gene0181, which we hereafter refer to as Legionella ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 (Lart1) (Legionella ART 1). We show that L. pneumophila Lart1 targets a specific class of 120-kDa NAD+-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzymes found in fungi and protists, including many natural hosts of Legionella. Lart1 targets a conserved arginine residue in the NAD+-binding pocket of GDH, thereby blocking oxidative deamination of glutamate. Therefore, Lart1 could be the first example of a Legionella effector which directly targets a host metabolic enzyme during infection.

Automated summary

ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) are a widespread superfamily of enzymes commonly used by bacteria in pathogenic strategies. Legionella pneumophila has a diverse set of 330 translocated effectors, but the ART effectors influencing this bacteria have not been well defined. The discovery of Legionella ADP-Ribosyltransferase 1 (Lart1) targeting a host metabolic enzyme during infection represents a novel mechanism of pathogenicity for this bacterium.