Bacterial Immune System Directly Detects Viral Capsid Proteins to Launch Antiviral Defense
Scientists have uncovered the mechanism by which bacterial immune systems detect viral invaders. New research reveals that Thoeris defense systems directly recognize phage capsid proteins to initiate a protective response that halts viral replication through NAD+ depletion.
Breakthrough in Bacterial Immunity Research
Researchers have identified how bacterial immune systems directly detect viral invaders by recognizing specific capsid proteins, according to a recent study published in Nature Microbiology. The findings reveal that Thoeris defense systems, found in approximately 4% of bacterial and archaeal genomes, function as structural and functional analogues to innate immunity in animals and plants.