physiological function |
deletion of the gcvT homolog, i.e. T-protein, in attenuated and virulent Francisella tularensis strains. Deletion mutants are auxotrophic for serine but behave similar to wild-type strains with respect to host cell invasion, intracellular replication, and stimulation of TNFalpha. The glycine cleavage system is required for the pathogenesis of virulent Francisella tularensis in a murine model. Deletion of the gcvT gene delays mortality and lowers bacterial burden, particularly in the liver and bloodstream |
Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis |