CBU_1754 is a hypothetical protein encoded by C. burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. It is classified as an LvgA-related protein due to structural similarities with Legionella pneumophila LvgA, a component of the Dot/Icm T4SS apparatus . The recombinant form is expressed in heterologous systems (e.g., E. coli, yeast, insect cells) to study its role in bacterial pathogenesis .
CBU_1754 is critical for intracellular replication and maturation of the Coxiella-containing vacuole (CCV):
Dot/Icm T4SS Interaction: CBU_1754 forms a chaperone complex with C. burnetii proteins IcmS and IcmW, facilitating effector translocation via the T4SS .
CCV Biogenesis: Deletion of cbu1754 results in smaller CCVs lacking LC3 autophagy markers, impairing bacterial replication .
Non-Effector Role: Unlike T4SS substrates, CBU_1754 is not translocated into host cells but functions as a structural component of the secretion system .
Recombinant CBU_1754 is optimized for yield and functionality across expression systems:
| Host System | Yield | Posttranslational Modifications | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | High | Limited | Short |
| Yeast | High | Moderate | Short |
| Insect Cells | Moderate | Extensive (e.g., glycosylation) | Longer |
| Mammalian Cells | Low | Full | Longest |
CBU_1754 was not secreted by C. burnetii in CyaA or BlaM reporter assays, contradicting earlier reports of its secretion by L. pneumophila . This highlights species-specific differences in T4SS substrate recognition.
While CBU0122, CBU1752, CBU1825, and CBU2007 were identified as T4SS substrates promoting CCV biogenesis, CBU_1754 itself was not translocated, reinforcing its role in T4SS machinery .
CBU_1754 is indispensable for:
Effector Translocation: Its interaction with IcmS/IcmW ensures proper T4SS function .
Host Cell Survival: Mutants exhibit reduced replication, linking CBU_1754 to C. burnetii virulence .