Exploitation of eukaryotic subcellular targeting mechanisms by bacterial effectors

Many bacterial species have evolved specialized secretion systems that deliver effector proteins into host cells in order to promote bacterial survival and replication. To exert their functions in a spatially coordinated manner, effector proteins must be accurately targeted to specific subcellular compartments. Here, Hicks and Galan review how bacterial effectors exploit the host cell machinery involved in processes such as lipidation and ubiquitylation to accurately target the biochemical activities of these effectors within the host cell.