# The Role of Coxiella Effector Proteins in Infection and Disease

> **NIH NIH R56** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $625,276

## Abstract

Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular pathogen that causes the human disease Q-fever. This
project is focused on the novel mechanisms Coxiella has evolved to manipulate the host
cell. The Coxiella Dot/Icm type IVb secretion system is essential for intracellular
replication. The goal of this project is to understand how effector proteins delivered into
host cells by the Dot/Icm system enable Coxiella to replicate in a hydrolytic lysosomal
organelle and evade host detection. We have developed genetic tools to identify the
important Coxiella proteins that are required for host manipulation. This project will
leverage these genetic tools in combination with molecular and biochemical approaches
to investigate how these effector proteins interfere with host pathogen sensors, promote
biogenesis of the unique Coxiella-containing vacuole (CCV), and facilitate infection in
animals. Knowledge gained from these studies will lead to a greater understanding of
pathogen adaptations that enable Coxiella to infect mammalian hosts and the immune
pathways that are important for controlling intracellular bacterial pathogens. Specific goals
include functional analysis of the proteins EmcA and EmcB that are involved in
suppression of host immune responses, using newly developed genetic tools to define
epistatic interactions between effectors required for CCV biogenesis, and to use
bioluminescence imaging to measure virulence defects displayed by Coxiella effector
mutants.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11133660
- **Project number:** 1R56AI182383-01
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Craig R. Roy
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $625,276
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-08 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11133660

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11133660, The Role of Coxiella Effector Proteins in Infection and Disease (1R56AI182383-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11133660. Licensed CC0.

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