AbstractBackgroundHost engulfment protein ELMO1 generates intestinal inflammation following internalization of enteric bacteria. In Shigella, bacterial effector IpgB1 interacts with ELMO1 and promotes bacterial invasion. IpgB1 belongs to the WxxxE effector family, a motif found in several effector of enteric pathogens. Here, we have studied the role of WxxxE effectors, with emphasis on Salmonella SifA and whether it interacts with ELMO1 to regulate inflammation.MethodologyIn-silico-analysis of WxxxE effectors was performed using BLAST search and Clustal W program. The interaction of ELMO1 with SifA was assessed by GST pulldown assay and co-immunoprecipitation. ELMO1 knock-out mice, and ELMO1-depleted murine macrophage J774 cell lines were challenged with WT and SifA mutant Salmonella. Bacterial effectors containing the WxxxE motif were transfected in WT and ELMO1-depleted J774 cells to assess the inflammatory cytokines.ResultsELMO1 generates differential pro-inflammatory cytokines between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. WxxxE motif is present in pathogens and in the TIR domain of host proteins. The C-terminal part of ELMO1 interacts with SifA where WxxxE motif is important for interaction. ELMO1-SifA interaction affects the bacterial colonization, dissemination, and inflammatory cytokines in vivo. Moreover, ELMO1-SifA interaction increases TNF-α and IL-6 production from the macrophage cell line and is associated with enhanced Rac1 activity. ELMO1 also interacts with WxxxE effectors IpgB1, IpgB2, and Map, and induces inflammation after challenge with microbe or microbial ligand.ConclusionELMO1 generates a differential response through interaction with the WxxxE motif which is absent in commensals. ELMO1-WxxxE interaction plays a role in bacterial pathogenesis and induction of inflammatory response.HighlightsELMO1 generates a differential immune response between enteric pathogens and commensals.Enteric bacterial effectors containing WxxxE signature motif interact with ELMO1.The WxxxE effector of Salmonella SifA interacts with the C-terminal part of ELMO1.ELMO1-SifA interaction increases the inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro.