A protein that allows Salmonella to invade host cells could be the key to developing an effective new treatment.
Research led by Alaine Mazé from University of Basel showed that the protein EIIAGlc is responsible for activating the bacteria’s molecular “syringe”, which releases toxins into the host cell. These toxins manipulate conditions within the cell to the invader’s advantage. EIIAGlc is vital in several aspects of this process, both stabilising the injector and triggering toxin release.
Every year, more than 16 million people are diagnosed with life-threatening Salmonella infection. With these findings the researchers hope that by specifically inhibiting the EIIAGIc protein we can prevent infection from taking hold.
Read more at University of Basel