Atomic-level characterization of outer membrane proteins from Yersinia pestis in near-native membrane environments

The virulence factors Adhesion invasion locus (Ail) and Plasminogen Activator (Pla) from Yersinia pestis are involved in enhanced bacterial dissemination and serum survival within humans. The localization of these virulence factors to the bacterial outer membrane, which is unique due to its high asymmetry, subjects the two proteins to functional regulation by components of the outer membrane, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Prior structural and functional works have highlighted the importance of these protein-membrane interactions for both binding and proteolysis of known human serum factors essential for the high virulence of Y.