The Type III Secretion System: An Overview from Top to Bottom.

comprises four species of human-restricted pathogens causing bacillary dysentery. While possesses multiple genetic loci contributing to virulence, a type III secretion system (T3SS) is its primary virulence factor. The T3SS nanomachine consists of four major assemblies: the cytoplasmic sorting platform; the envelope-spanning core/basal body; an exposed needle; and a needle-associated tip complex with associated translocon that is inserted into host cell membranes. The initial subversion of host cell activities is carried out by the effector functions of the invasion plasmid antigen (Ipa) translocator proteins, with the cell ultimately being controlled by dedicated effector proteins that are injected into the host cytoplasm though the translocon. Much of the information now available on the T3SS injectisome has been accumulated through collective studies on the T3SS from three systems, those of , and /. In this review, we will touch upon the important features of the T3SS injectisome that have come to light because of research in the and closely related systems. We will also briefly highlight some of the strategies being considered to target the T3SS for disease prevention.