Poly-γ-(D)-glutamic acid capsule interferes with lytic infection of Bacillus anthracis by B. anthracis-specific bacteriophages.

ABSTRACT: The poly-γ-d-glutamic acid capsule of Bacillus anthracis is a barrier to infection by B. anthracis-specific bacteriophages. Capsule expression was found to completely inhibit lytic infection by γ phage, an observation supported by the demonstration that this phage does not elaborate a hydrolase that would facilitate penetration through the protective capsule outer layer.

SUBMITTER: Negus D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3553781 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature