Requirement of the CXXC Motif of Novel Francisella Infectivity Potentiator Protein B FipB, and FipA in Virulence of F. tularensis subsp. tularensis
2011

Role of FipB and FipA in Francisella tularensis Virulence

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Qin Aiping, Scott David W., Rabideau Meaghan M., Moore Emily A., Mann Barbara J.

Primary Institution: University of Virginia

Hypothesis

Does the CXXC motif of FipB and the role of FipA affect the virulence of Francisella tularensis?

Conclusion

FipB is essential for intracellular replication and virulence, while FipA plays a supportive role.

Supporting Evidence

  • FipB is essential for virulence in mice.
  • FipA affects the post-translational processing of FipB.
  • Deletion of fipA resulted in a significant intracellular growth defect.

Takeaway

FipB helps the bacteria survive inside cells, and FipA helps FipB work better, but isn't needed for survival.

Methodology

The study involved creating deletion mutants of fipA and fipB and assessing their virulence and intracellular growth in mouse models and cell cultures.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.00001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024611

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