Bacteriophages mobilise bacterial defence systems via lateral transduction
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
To counter challenges from bacteriophages (phages), bacteria use defense mechanisms that can reside on mobile genetic elements or within chromosomes. These immune systems are easily gained and lost, allowing adaptation to threats. However, the mechanism of mobilization of chromosomally encoded defense genes remains poorly understood. Here, we show that phage- and phage-inducible chromosomal island (PICI)–mediated lateral transduction (LT), a highly efficient horizontal gene transfer mechanism, facilitates the transfer of these defense genes between bacteria. Using several bacterial models, we demonstrate that defense systems are often positioned near phage or PICI attachment sites, allowing them to exploit LT for their mobility. In addition, LT diversifies defense genes carried by prophages and PICIs, driving immune system evolution and turnover. These processes provide phage resistance to new bacterial hosts and profoundly affect population genomics. Our findings reveal LT as a crucial mechanism shaping bacterial evolution and influencing the trajectory of pathogenic clones in nature.
Date Issued
2026-01-01
Date Acceptance
2025-12-22
Citation
Science Advances, 2026, 12 (4)
ISSN
2375-2548
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Journal / Book Title
Science Advances
Volume
12
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2026 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CC BY).
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
eadx5749
Date Publish Online
2026-01-23