In my research I am investigating the infection of macrophages by the intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila on a molecular level. To survive within phagocytic host cells Legionella secretes a large repertoire of effector proteins via its Type IV secretion system (Dot/Icm). I am specifically interested in effector proteins harboring hydrophobic transmembrane domains (TMDs) necessary for the integration into host cell membranes.
The focus of my project is to uncover the mechanisms TMD-effectors use to correctly target and insert into membranes of the eukaryotic host.