Effector functions of pathogenic Yersinia species

Pathogenic species of the genus Yersinia suppress and reorient the immune system to infect lymphatic tissues, inner organs and at times also the vasculature. For this purpose yersiniae employ a type III secretion system to translocate effector proteins (Yersinia outer proteins; Yops) into immune cells. Yops often exert unique biochemical activities for modulating the activity of Rho GTP-binding proteins, focal adhesion proteins, inflammatory pathways and cell survival/apoptosis. In this review we will put emphasis on the biochemistry, cell- and infection biology of Yersinia effector Yops.