Figure 2.

EPEC uses several effector proteins to promote bacterial adhesion. After binding to the epithelial cell, EPEC uses the T3SS to inject effectors into the host cell cytoplasm via a needle-like structure. Intimate adhesion to the host cell is secured by rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and the formation of a pedestal. Amongst the injected effectors are EspO, NleH1, NleH2, EspZ, and CiF which modulate the cell cycle and apoptotic regulation, resulting in reduced epithelial renewal and prolonged bacterial adherence.