An extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma/anti-sigma factor system regulates hypochlorous acid resistance and impacts expression of the type IV secretion system in Brucella melitensis

The intracellular bacterial pathogen causes persistent infections in various mammalian species. To survive and replicate within macrophages, these bacteria must be able to withstand oxidative stresses and express the type IV secretion system (T4SS) to evade host immune responses. The extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor system is a major signal transduction mechanism in bacteria that senses environmental cues and responds by regulating gene expression. In this study, we defined an ECF σ and its cognate anti-σ factor in M28 by conserved domain analysis and a protein interaction assay. BcrS directly activates an adjacent operon, , that encodes a methionine-rich peptide and a putative methionine sulfoxide reductase system, whereas AbcS is a negative regulator of and The / and operons can be induced by hypochlorous acid and contribute to hypochlorous acid resistance Next, RNA sequencing analysis and genome-wide recognition sequence search identified the regulons of BcrS and AbcS. Interestingly, we found that BcrS positively influences T4SS expression in an AbcS-dependent manner and that AbcS also affects T4SS expression independently of BcrS. Last, we demonstrate that is required for the maintenance of persistent infection while is dispensable in a mouse infection model. Collectively, we conclude that BcrS and AbcS influence expression of multiple genes responsible for virulence traits. is a notorious intracellular pathogen that induces chronic infections in animals and humans. To survive and replicate within macrophages, these bacteria require a capacity to withstand oxidative stresses and to express the type IV secretion system (T4SS) to combat host immune responses. In this study, we characterized an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma/anti-sigma factor system that regulates resistance to reactive chlorine species and T4SS expression, thereby establishing a potential link between two crucial virulence traits of Furthermore, the anti-sigma factor AbcS contributes to persistent infection of mice. Thus, this work provides novel insights into virulence regulation as well as a potential drug target for fighting infections.