InTxDB: interaction data between gram-negative bacteria secreted effectors and host proteins

Gram-negative bacteria utilize specialized secretion systems to deliver effectors into the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, where they manipulate host cellular functions to promote infection. These interactions play a crucial role in bacterial pathogenesis and pose significant public health challenges. Understanding of the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between effectors and host proteins is essential for deciphering infection mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic strategies. However, existing databases on pathogen-host interactions often lack comprehensive coverage of secreted effectors and their host targets, limiting their utility in studying bacterial infections. Furthermore, current resources are often incomplete, poorly annotated, and lack predictive capabilities. To address these limitations, we have developed InTxDB, a comprehensive database dedicated to interactions involving bacterial type I-X secreted effectors and their host counterparts. InTxDB currently includes 1829 experimentally validated interaction pairs from 100 bacterial species, with detailed annotations on protein sequences, functions, subcellular localizations, secretion signals, local structural and functional properties, structures, and interaction sites. By filling a critical gap in existing databases, InTxDB provides a well-curated and functionally enriched resource to advance research on bacterial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.