NANJING: Chinese scientists from China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria resist phage infections. This new finding reveals an antiviral mechanism that could guide future drug development.

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Phages are viruses that target bacteria, but bacteria have evolved various mechanisms to protect themselves against these infections. Previous studies showed that infected bacteria use the type III CRISPR-Cas system to attack and damage phage genetic material, preventing reproduction and resisting infection.

However, the recent research led by Professor Xiao Yibei from CPU reveals a new immune mechanism called CRISPR-CAAD, which goes a step further. Instead of just targeting genetic material, CRISPR-CAAD depletes ATP (the energy source for bacteria), converting it into toxic ITP. Without ATP, phages cannot reproduce, which protects the bacteria from infection.

The research team also discovered that the bacteria enter a dormancy-like state when ATP levels fall. Using biochemical analysis, they identified a hydrolytic enzyme called Nudix, which breaks down and detoxifies ITP. This process allows the bacteria to recover once the phages are cleared, restoring normal function.

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This discovery links bacterial immunity to metabolism, offering new insights into gene-editing technologies. Professor Xiao emphasized that this finding paves the way for developing new anti-infective medications. By understanding how bacteria fight phages, scientists now have a better foundation for creating effective drugs in the future.