Analysis of the genes and mechanisms responsible for the cytotoxicity of the Legionella Ofk308 strain in the Tetrahymena host

Among the deletion mutants, <i>Δ</i> vicinal oxygen chelate (VOC) and msrB/A exhibited reduced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, LCVs formed in <i>T. thermophila</i> infected with DVOC and msrB/A were smaller in size compared to those formed by the parental strain Ofk308, suggesting a role in both cytotoxicity and intracellular growth. Multiple factors contribute to the cytotoxicity exhibited by the Ofk308 strain in protozoan host cells, and gene expression analysis may reveal additional relevant factors.