TagF coordinates spike-loading as an intermediate checkpoint in Type VI Secretion System assembly
Melanie K. Engelin, Pradyot Prakash, Lin Lin, Tobias Mühlethaler, Alexander Heynisch, Joana Pereira, Florian Delbart, Elian M. A. Kuhn, David A. Baker, Timm Maier, Marek Basler
This study identifies TagF as a checkpoint protein that coordinates spike-loading in T6SS assembly by preventing premature sheath formation and interacting with Hcp and TagZ.
bioRxiv · Dec 8, 2025 · PreprintMicrobiology