The type VI secretion system (T6SS) delivers enzymatic effectors into target cells to destroy them. Cells of the same strain protect themselves against effectors with immunity proteins that specifically inhibit effectors. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a Tle3 phospholipase effector and its cognate immunity protein Tli3-an outer membrane lipoprotein from adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC). Enzymatic assays demonstrate that purified Tle3(AIEC) has a phospholipase A1, and not A2, activity and that its toxicity is neutralized by the cognate immunity protein Tli3(AIEC). Tli3(AIEC) binds Tle3 in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. Tle3(AIEC), Tli3(AIEC) and the Tle3(AIEC)-Tli3(AIEC) complex were purified and subjected to crystallization. The Tle3(AIEC)-Tli3(AIEC) complex structure could not be solved by SeMet phasing, but only by molecular replacement when using an AlphaFold2 prediction model. Tle3(AIEC) exhibits an alpha/beta-hydrolase fold decorated by two protruding segments, including a N-terminus loop. Tli3(AIEC) displays a new fold of three stacked beta-sheets and a protruding loop that inserts in Tle3(AIEC)catalytic crevice. We showed, experimentally, that Tle3(AIEC) interacts with the VgrG (AIEC) cargo protein and AlphaFold2 prediction of the VgrG(AIEC)-Tle3(AIEC) complex reveals a strong interaction between the VgrG(AIEC) C-terminus adaptor and Tle3(AIEC) N-terminal loop.
The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a multiprotein machine that delivers protein effectors in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, allowing interbacterial competition and virulence. The mechanism of action of the T6SS requires the contraction of a sheath-like structure that propels a needle towards target cells, allowing the delivery of protein effectors. Here, we provide evidence that the entero-aggregative Escherichia coli Sci-1 T6SS is required to eliminate competitor bacteria. We further identify Tle1, a toxin effector encoded by this cluster and showed that Tle1 possesses phospholipase A1 and A2 activities required for the interbacterial competition. Self-protection of the attacker cell is secured by an outer membrane lipoprotein, Tli1, which binds Tle1 in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio with nanomolar affinity, and inhibits its phospholipase activity. Tle1 is delivered into the periplasm of the prey cells using the VgrG1 needle spike protein as carrier. Further analyses demonstrate that the C-terminal extension domain of VgrG1, including a transthyretin-like domain, is responsible for the interaction with Tle1 and its subsequent delivery into target cells. Based on these results, we propose an additional mechanism of transport of T6SS effectors in which cognate effectors are selected by specific motifs located at the C-terminus of VgrG proteins.