The Burkholderia cenocepacia Type VI Secretion System Effector TecA Is a Virulence Factor in Mouse Models of Lung Infection
Nicole A. Loeven, Andrew I. Perault, Peggy A. Cotter, Craig A. Hodges, Joseph D. Schwartzman, Thomas H. Hampton, James B. Bliska
Abstract
B. cenocepacia is often considered the most virulent species in the Bcc because of its close association with cepacia syndrome in addition to its capacity to cause chronic lung infections in CF patients (1). Prior to the current study, virulence factors of B. cenocepacia important for causing lethal disease had not been identified in a CF animal model of lung infection. Results of this study describe a CF mouse model and its use in demonstrating that the T6SS effector TecA of B. cenocepacia exacerbates inflammatory cell recruitment and weight loss and is required for lethality and, thus, acts as a key virulence factor during lung infection. This model will be important in further studies to better understand TecA's role as a virulence factor and in investigating ways to prevent or treat B. cenocepacia infections in CF patients. Additionally, TecA may be the founding member of a family of virulence factors in opportunistic pathogens.