- A translocation-deficient cagE knockout strain of Helicobacter pylori is a genetically modified variant in which the cagE gene—an essential component of the Type IV Secretion System (T4SS)—is inactivated.
- The CagE protein plays a critical role in the assembly and function of T4SS by acting as an ATPase, providing the energy necessary for translocating effector proteins such as CagA into host epithelial cells.
- When cagE is disrupted, the bacterium loses its capacity to inject CagA, which is a major determinant of H. pylori virulence. However, these knockout strains still retain the ability to adhere to host cells, making them ideal for dissecting the specific contributions of CagA translocation versus bacterial adhesion.
