Bacteria use ancient war tricks to outwit viruses; understand

A study by the biology department at the University of Copenhagen revealed that bacteria have developed a defense strategy against viral attacks similar to the war defense technique used in China more than 1800 years ago.

The uncovered immune system causes the invading virus to self-destruct. bacteria use enzymes from the virus itself to activate a lethal defense that prevents it from becoming infected.

The researchers nicknamed it Kongming, nicknamed after military strategist Zhuge Liang who, instead of making his own weapons, used empty boats covered in straw to deceive his enemies, who fired arrows at the empty boat. These arrows were collected by the Liang army after battles.

Kongming bacteria in E. coli, a bacteria found in our intestines. However, there are variants of it in the environment, indicating that this antiviral strategy is widespread.

"We discovered a new antiviral signaling pathway in bacteria that, ironically, depends on a viral enzyme to produce the alarm signal that triggers defense," explains assistant professor Rafael Pinilla-Redondo, from the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen, one of the researchers leading the study.

When a virus attacks a bacterium, it copies its genetic material, some using specialized enzymes called nucleotide kinases, which produce components necessary for the replication of genetic information.

Kongming hijacks this enzyme and produces a signaling molecule that triggers defense against the virus. This signal causes the virus to commit suicide.

However, not all viruses fall into this strategy. Those who have discovered how to circumvent Kongming carry special enzymes, which break down the molecules needed to activate the system.

Scientists point out that the molecular mechanism that drives Kongmin can be used in future biotechnological applications.

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The signaling molecule that activates the Kongmin defense system is also found in human diseases, including cancer.

Because the bacteria's immune system is extremely specific, it could inspire new synthetic biology and diagnostic tools. It can be used to detect non-canonical viruses, opening opportunities for biotechnological applications.

*Under the supervision of Thiago Félix

Source: CNN