Mitochondrial Coxiella Effector F(MceF):
Researchers recently discovered a previously unidentified protein named mitochondrial coxiella effector F (MceF) with antioxidant properties produced by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium.
- Mitochondrial coxiella effector F (MceF) is a bacterial protein capable of keeping human cells healthy even when the cells have a heavy bacterial burden.
- It is produced by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium.
- After invading host cells, Coxiella burnetii releases MceF into cells.
- MceF interacts with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an antioxidant enzyme located in the mitochondria, to improve mitochondrial function by promoting an anti-oxidizing effect that averts cell damage and death, which may occur when pathogens replicate inside mammalian cells.
