The Type VI Secretion System of the Emerging PathogenStenotrophomonas maltophiliahas Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

ABSTRACTAntagonistic behaviors between bacterial cells can have profound effects on microbial populations and disease outcomes. Polymicrobial interactions may be mediated by contact-dependent proteins with antibacterial properties. The Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) is a macromolecular weapon used by Gram-negative bacteria to translocate proteins into adjacent cells. The T6SS is used by pathogens to escape immune cells, eliminate commensal bacteria, and facilitate infection.Stenotrophomonas maltophiliais a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide range of infections in immunocompromised patients and infects the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. Infections with the bacterium can be deadly and are challenging to treat because many isolates are multidrug-resistant. We found that globally dispersedS. maltophiliaclinical and environmental strains possess T6SS genes. We demonstrate that the T6SS of anS. maltophiliapatient isolate is active and can eliminate other bacteria. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the T6SS contributes to the competitive fitness ofS. maltophiliaagainst a co-infectingPseudomonas aeruginosaisolate, and that the T6SS alters the cellular organization ofS. maltophiliaandP. aeruginosaco-cultures. This study expands our knowledge of the mechanisms employed byS. maltophiliato secrete antibacterial proteins and compete against other bacteria.IMPORTANCEInfections with the opportunistic pathogenStenotrophomonas maltophiliacan be fatal for immunocompromised patients. The mechanisms used by the bacterium to compete against other prokaryotes are not well understood. We found that the T6SS allowsS. maltophiliato eliminate other bacteria and contributes to the competitive fitness against a co-infecting isolate. The presence of T6SS genes in isolates across the globe highlights the importance of this apparatus as a weapon in the antibacterial arsenal ofS. maltophilia. The T6SS may confer survival advantages toS. maltophiliaisolates in polymicrobial communities in both environmental settings and during infections.