The pilT gene contributes to type III ExoS effector injection into epithelial cells in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A type IV pilus filament, mainly composed of PilA, is retracted by the driving power generated by PilT and PilU ATPases. pilA is required for injection of type III ExoS effectors into epithelial cells thereby facilitating Pseudomonas aeruginosa penetration through the epithelial barrier by impairing the defense function of tight junctions. Here, we examined whether the pilT and pilU of the P.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa injects type III effector ExoS into epithelial cells through the function of type IV pili.

Translocation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through epithelial tissues can cause sepsis. Here, we examined whether P. aeruginosa penetrates epithelial cell layers using type IV pili (TFP).