Viruses use RNA decoys to thwart CRISPR defences

Bacteria and archaea are microorganisms that often use RNA-guided defences called CRISPR to destroy the genomes of viruses that infect them. It now emerges that viruses make RNAs that act as mimics to divert such defences.

Automated summary

Bacteria and archaea use RNA-guided defences to destroy viruses, but the viruses can produce RNA mimics to counteract these defences.