A dual-host regulatory hub integrating biofilm formation and innate immunity resistance

Vector-borne pathogens must adapt to sharply distinct host environments, yet the regulatory logic that coordinates transitions between opposing host-specific programs remains poorly defined. Here, we identify a minimal regulatory module in the flea-borne pathogen Yersinia pestis that integrates vector transmission with resistance to mammalian innate immunity. Screening of flea-induced genes uncovered the regulator HdfR, which acts primarily through activation of maoP, encoding a nucleoid-associated protein.

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