Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) enhances replication of intracellular Salmonella and binds the Salmonella SPI-2 effector SseL via its N-terminus.

Effectors translocated into the host cell by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium are critical for bacterial virulence. For many effectors, the mechanisms of their interactions with host pathways are not yet understood. We have recently found an interaction between the SPI-2 effector SseL and oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP). We show here that SseL binds the N-terminus of OSBP and that S. Typhimurium infection results in redistribution of OSBP. We furthermore demonstrate that OSBP is required for efficient replication of intracellular S. Typhimurium. This suggests that S. Typhimurium hijacks OSBP-dependent pathways to benefit its intracellular life-style, possibly by SseL- and OSBP-mediated manipulation of host lipid metabolism.