YopE
YopE is a virulence factor produced by pathogenic Yersinia species, including Yersinia pestis, Y. pseudotuberculosis, and Y. enterocolitica. It is an effector protein delivered into host cells by the bacteria’s type III secretion system, a needle-like apparatus used to inject proteins directly into the cytosol of target cells during infection.
Once inside the host cell, YopE functions as a Rho GTPase-activating protein (GAP). It targets members of
Delivery and regulation: YopE is translocated into host cells via the type III secretion apparatus upon contact
Role in virulence: YopE contributes to virulence by inhibiting phagocytic uptake and altering host cell signaling.
Genetics and study: YopE is encoded within yop operons on virulence plasmids common to pathogenic Yersinia.