Manganese activates the CBASS immunity to protect bacteria from phage infection.

ABSTRACT: The cyclic-oligonucleotide-based antiphage signaling system (CBASS) is essential for bacterial defense against phage infections, mirroring many features of the eukaryotic cGAS-STING pathway. Although metal ions are well-known regulators of cGAS-STING activation, their impact on CBASS-mediated antiviral function remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that manganese (Mn²⁺) serves as a key cofactor to enhance CBASS activation. Upon phage infection, the intracellular Mn²⁺ level is elevated, and the gene expression of the Mn²⁺ transportation system is upregulated. We found that Mn²⁺ directly augments the activity of DncV, markedly boosting 3'3'-cGAMP production. Consequently, the phospholipase CapV is activated more rapidly, driving premature bacte

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12802263 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature