Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are nanomachines widely used by bacteria to compete with rivals. T6SSs deliver multiple toxic effector proteins directly into neighbouring cells and play key roles in shaping diverse polymicrobial communities. A number of families of T6SS-dependent anti-bacterial effectors have been characterised, however the mode of action of others remains unknown. Here we report that Ssp6, an anti-bacterial effector delivered by the Serratia marcescens T6SS, is an ion-selective pore-forming toxin. In vivo, Ssp6 inhibits growth by causing depolarisation of the inner membrane of intoxicated cells and also leads to increased outer membrane permeability, whilst reconstruction of Ssp6 activity in vitro demonstrated that it forms cation-selective pores. A survey of bacterial genomes revealed that Ssp6-like effectors are widespread in Enterobacteriaceae and often linked with T6SS genes. We conclude that Ssp6 represents a new family of T6SS-delivered anti-bacterial effectors, further diversifying the portfolio of weapons available for deployment during inter-bacterial conflict.

A new family of Type VI secretion system-delivered effector proteins displays ion-selective pore-forming activity