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CRISPR–Cas regulates expression of embedded anti-phage defence systems

Research Bacterial Immunity

Merged summary

TL;DR - CRISPR–Cas systems regulate embedded innate anti-phage defences through CRISPR RNA-like guides, balancing antiviral protection against bacterial fitness costs. When those defences are compromised, CRISPR–Cas hyperactivates them to create a layered “immunity guard” network.

  • CRISPR–Cas transcriptionally tunes multiple innate defence systems.
  • CRISPR RNA-like guides mediate this regulatory function.
  • Regulation balances phage resistance with host fitness.
  • Compromised defences trigger compensatory hyperactivation.

Sources (1)

CRISPR–Cas regulates expression of embedded anti-phage defence systems

Nature Xian Shu, Rui Wang, Xufei Zhou, Feiyue Cheng, Jiayue Ma, Zhihua Li, Xin Li, Tuozhan Wu, Aici Wu, Qiong Xue, Chao Liu, Huiwei Zhao, Xifeng Cao, Lin Wang, Shouyue Zhang, Yan Zhang, Ming Li 2026-07-22 doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10833-9

TL;DR - CRISPR–Cas systems regulate embedded innate anti-phage defences through CRISPR RNA-like guides, balancing antiviral protection against bacterial fitness costs. When those defences are compromised, CRISPR–Cas hyperactivates them to create a layered “immunity guard” network.

  • CRISPR–Cas transcriptionally tunes multiple innate defence systems.
  • CRISPR RNA-like guides mediate this regulatory function.
  • Regulation balances phage resistance with host fitness.
  • Compromised defences trigger compensatory hyperactivation.
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