SipB-SipC Complex Is Essential for Translocon Formation

The delivery of effector proteins by Salmonella across the host cell membrane requires a subset of effectors secreted by the type III secretion system (TTSS) known as translocators. SipC and SipB are translocator proteins that are inserted into host membranes and presumably form a channel that translocates type III effectors into the host cell. The molecular events of how these translocators insert into the host cell membrane remain unknown. We have previously shown that the SipC C-terminal amino acid region (321–409) is required for the translocation of effectors into host cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the ability to form SipC-SipB complex is essential for their insertion into the host membrane. The SipB-interacting domain of SipC is near its C-terminal amino acid region (340–409). In the absence of SipB, SipC was not detected in the membrane fraction. Furthermore, SipC mutants that no longer interact with SipB are defective in inserting into the host cell membrane. We propose a mechanism whereby SipC binds SipB through its C-terminal region to facilitate membrane-insertion and subsequent translocon formation in the host cell membrane.