Sporadic phage defense in epidemic Vibrio cholerae mediated by the toxin-antitoxin system DarTG is countered by a phage-encoded antitoxin mimic.

ABSTRACT: Bacteria and their viral predators (phages) are constantly evolving to subvert one another. Many bacterial immune systems that inhibit phages are encoded on mobile genetic elements that can be horizontally transmitted to diverse bacteria. Despite the pervasive appearance of immune systems in bacteria, it is not often known if these immune systems function against phages that the host encounters in nature. Additionally, there are limited examples demonstrating how these phages counter-adapt to such immune systems. Here, we identify clinical isolates of the global pathogen Vibrio cholerae harboring a novel genetic element encoding the bacterial immune system DarTG and reveal the immune system's impact on the co-circulating lytic phage ICP1. We show that DarTG inhibits ICP1 genome repl

SUBMITTER: Patel KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10760071 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature