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Phage Proteases Activate CBASS Antiphage Immunity, Study Reports
Key Takeaways
- A study in Science (Volume 394, Issue 6819, pages 102–106) reports that phage proteases can activate CBASS antiphage immunity.
- CBASS is a cyclic oligonucleotide-based bacterial defense system that typically sacrifices infected cells to halt viral spread.
- The finding suggests bacteria may detect phage protein activity, not only viral nucleic acids, broadening known immune triggers.
- Open questions include which proteases and CBASS variants are involved, whether detection is direct or indirect, and how phages might counter.
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DT Editorial Team··via science.org