Viral Mechanisms of Suppressing CRISPR-mediated Immune Responses

Bacteria and archaea have evolved sophisticated adaptive immune systems that rely on CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-guided detection and nuclease-mediated elimination of invading nucleic acids. CRISPR-based immune systems are phylogenetically and mechanistically diverse, and this diversity is mirrored by the diversity of virally encoded suppressors that protect phages from CRISPR-mediated elimination. We hypothesize that viral suppressors (i.e., anti-CRISPRs) evolve to target functionally essential components of these sophisticated immune systems. This talk will highlight how structures of virally encoded suppressors have taught us about the mechanisms of CRISPR-mediated defense.





Blake Wiedenheft (Montana State University)