Scientists Reveal CBASS Mechanism: Bacteria Detect Phage Attack via Viral Protease

Researchers at University of Utah Health found that the bacterial immune system CBASS detects viral attack when a phage protease cuts a bacterial sensor protein, triggering cell self-destruction before the virus can spread. Published in Science, the finding could improve phage therapy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

• CBASS activates when a phage protease cuts a bacterial sensor protein
• Activation triggers cell suicide before the virus can multiply and spread
• The mechanism differs from defenses that sense viral DNA or RNA
• CBASS is related to a human immune pathway, indicating ancient origins