Synergy and regulation of antiphage systems: toward the existence of a bacterial immune system?

Bacteria encode a vast repertoire of diverse antiphage defense systems. Recent studies revealed that different defense systems are often encoded within the same genome, raising the question of their possible interactions in a cell. Here, we review the known synergies and coregulations of antiphage systems. The emerging complexities suggest a potential existence of an additional level of organization of antiviral defense in prokaryotes. We argue that this organization could be compared with immune systems of animals and plants. We discuss this concept and explore what it could mean in bacteria.

Automated summary

Bacteria have a wide range of antiphage defense systems. Recent studies have found that these systems can be encoded within the same genome, suggesting possible interactions. This review explores the synergies and coregulations of these antiphage systems, suggesting a higher level of organization in prokaryotic antiviral defense similar to immune systems in animals and plants.