A conserved interaction between the effector Sca4 and host clathrin suggests additional contributions for Sca4 during rickettsial infection.

Intracellular bacterial pathogens deploy secreted effector proteins that manipulate diverse host machinery and pathways to promote infection. Although many effectors carry out a single function or interaction, there are a growing number of secreted effectors capable of interacting with multiple host factors. However, few effectors secreted by arthropod-borne obligate intracellular species have been linked to multiple host targets.

A conserved interaction between the effector Sca4 and host endocytic machinery suggests additional roles for Sca4 during rickettsial infection.

Intracellular bacterial pathogens deploy secreted effector proteins that manipulate diverse host machinery and pathways to promote infection. Although many effectors carry out a single specific function or interaction, there are a growing number of secreted pathogen effectors capable of interacting with multiple host factors. However, few effectors secreted by obligate intracellular species have been linked to multiple host targets.