A Eukaryotic-like Serine/Threonine Kinase Protects Staphylococci against Phages

作者：Depardieu Florence; Didier Jean Philippe; Bernheim Aude; Sherlock Andrew; Molina Henrik; Duclos Bertrand^*; Bikard David^*

来源：Cell Host & Microbe, 2016, 20(4): 471-481.

DOI：10.1016/j.chom.2016.08.010

Organisms from all domains of life are infected by viruses. In eukaryotes, serine/threonine kinases play a central role in antiviral response. Bacteria, however, are not commonly known to use protein phosphorylation as part of their defense against phages. Here we identify Stk2, a staphylococcal serine/threonine kinase that provides efficient immunity against bacteriophages by inducing abortive infection. A phage protein of unknown function activates the Stk2 kinase. This leads to the Stk2-dependent phosphorylation of several proteins involved in translation, global transcription control, cell-cycle control, stress response, DNA topology, DNA repair, and central metabolism. Bacterial host cells die as a consequence of Stk2 activation, thereby preventing propagation of the phage to the rest of the bacterial population. Our work shows thatmechanisms of viral defense that rely on protein phosphorylation constitute a conserved antiviral strategy across multiple domains of life.

• 出版日期2016-10-12