Work

Heterologous expression of the M. abscessus CBASS system confers phage TM4 resistance in M. smegmatis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Phage therapy for multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus is constrained by the narrow lytic spectrum of phages due to unknown antiphage mechanisms. Bacteria deploy various defense strategies to prevent phage infection, but few have been comprehensively characterized in mycobacteria. Mycobacteriophage TM4 successfully delivers DNA into M. abscessus but fails to establish infection. Bioinformatic analyses predicted three candidate phage defense systems and multiple individual putative defense proteins in M. abscessus. Among them, Mab_2091, Mab_2092, and Mab_2093, designated CmaABC, are components of a cyclic oligonucleotide-based antiphage signaling system (CBASS) preventing TM4 infection. However, the inability of TM4 to form plaques even in CBASS-deficient M. abscessus implies the involvement of additional resistance mechanisms. Our findings underscore the challenges faced by mycobacteriophages in infecting M. abscessus, and highlight the complex interactions between this pathogen and its viral adversaries.

Source: BMC Microbiology

DOI: 10.1186/s12866-025-04214-x

Authors: Chun-Liang Wang, Ao-Fei Duan, Da-min Pan, Yi-Ou Zhao, Jian Yang, Yi-Cheng Sun

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Changchun University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990