May be an effector protein that contributes to pathogenesis by targeting host mitochondria, where it modulates host cellular processes. In THP1 macrophages, increases the ADP-to-ATP ratio and increases the cellular ROS levels. Also induces mitochondrial perturbations through membrane depolarization, release of mitochondrial superoxide, up-regulation of expression of host proapoptotic proteins (BAX and BIM) and release of cytochrome C into the cytosol. May bind calcium to increase intracellular calcium influx, which may further lead to mitochondrial perturbations. Mitochondrial perturbations and alteration of Ca(2+) influx are independent but simultaneous events