Crystal Structures of R-Type Bacteriocin Sheath and Tube Proteins CD1363 and CD1364 From in the Pre-assembled State.

Diffocins are high-molecular-weight phage tail-like bacteriocins (PTLBs) that some strains produce in response to SOS induction. Similar to the related R-type pyocins from , R-type diffocins act as molecular puncture devices that specifically penetrate the cell envelope of other strains to dissipate the membrane potential and kill the attacked bacterium. Thus, R-type diffocins constitute potential therapeutic agents to counter -associated infections.