Type IV pilus length determines virulence by regulating a hidden subpopulation of non-contributing filaments
Zil K. Modi, Jessie L. Reed, Ahmed O. Yusuf, Tyler Payne, Neel Chalemela, Sam Denison, Matthias D. Koch
This study shows that pilus length in Pseudomonas aeruginosa determines virulence by revealing a hidden subpopulation of non-contributing filaments and shows extension dynamics, not retraction force, as the key constraint.
bioRxiv · Apr 4, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology