Work

tRNAs as toxin targets in phage defence and a focus of counter-defence against abortive infection

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Shutoff of host translation is a common immunity strategy employed by bacteria to defend against predatory bacteriophages. Many bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems specifically target and inactivate tRNAs to achieve translational inhibition, potentially in response to phage infection. Common modes of action include modification, cleavage or re-allocation of target tRNAs. Recent studies have also identified key determinants of specificity for tRNA-targeting toxins. Herein, we discuss toxin action and specificity in the context of phage defence. As a counterpoint, we consider virally encoded tRNAs as counter-defences and drivers of phage evolution.

Source: Current Opinion in Microbiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2025.102697

Authors: Tom J Arrowsmith, Maria Puiu, Tim R Blower

Institutions: Durham University, New England Biolabs (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,800

Funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council