The phage nucleus synergizes with an anti-defense protein to resist bacterial immunity - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #anti-defense protein
- #bacterial immunity
- #phage nucleus
- The phage nucleus is a protein compartment that segregates phage DNA from host immune defenses but is insufficient alone for protection.
- AdfM, a DarG2-like antitoxin with a macrodomain, localizes to the phage nucleus and removes ADP-ribose modifications from DNA caused by DarT2 toxins.
- In the absence of AdfM, DarT2 modifies phage DNA and restricts replication, showing the phage nucleus requires additional anti-defense proteins for full protection.
- Increasing DarT2 concentration in the nucleus while decreasing AdfM reduces phage replication, highlighting a multilayered counter-defense strategy.