Repurposing an Endogenous CRISPR-Cas System to Generate and Study Subtle Mutations in Bacteriophages.

While bacteriophage applications benefit from effective phage engineering, selecting the desired genotype after subtle modifications remains challenging. Here, we describe a two-phase endogenous CRISPR-Cas-based phage engineering approach that enables selection of small defined edits in phage ZF40. We designed plasmids containing sequences homologous to ZF40 and a mini-CRISPR array.

Phage anti-CRISPR control by an RNA- and DNA-binding helix-turn-helix protein.

In all organisms, regulation of gene expression must be adjusted to meet cellular requirements and frequently involves helix-turn-helix (HTH) domain proteins. For instance, in the arms race between bacteria and bacteriophages, rapid expression of phage anti-CRISPR (acr) genes upon infection enables evasion from CRISPR-Cas defence; transcription is then repressed by an HTH-domain-containing anti-CRISPR-associated (Aca) protein, probably to reduce fitness costs from excessive expression. However, how a single HTH regulator adjusts anti-CRISPR production to cope with increasing phage genome copies and accumulating acr mRNA is unknown.

RNA targeting and cleavage by the type III-Dv CRISPR effector complex.

CRISPR-Cas are adaptive immune systems in bacteria and archaea that utilize CRISPR RNA-guided surveillance complexes to target complementary RNA or DNA for destruction. Target RNA cleavage at regular intervals is characteristic of type III effector complexes. Here, we determine the structures of the Synechocystis type III-Dv complex, an apparent evolutionary intermediate from multi-protein to single-protein type III effectors, in pre- and post-cleavage states.

Double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of convalescent plasma for COVID-19: analyses by neutralising antibodies homologous to recipients' variants.

Introduction: Convalescent plasma (CP) emerged as potential treatment for COVID-19 early in the pandemic. While efficacy in hospitalised patients has been lacklustre, CP may be beneficial at the first stages of disease. Despite multiple new variants emerging, no trials have involved analyses on variant-specific antibody titres of CP.

Gram-negative endolysins: overcoming the outer membrane obstacle.

Our ability to control the growth of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens is challenged by rising antimicrobial resistance and requires new approaches. Endolysins are phage-derived enzymes that degrade peptidoglycan and therefore offer potential as antimicrobial agents. However, the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria impedes the access of externally applied endolysins to peptidoglycan.