Bacterial Schlafens mediate anti-phage defense

Human Schlafen proteins restrict viral replication by cleaving tRNA, thereby suppressing protein synthesis. Although the ribonuclease domain of Schlafen proteins is conserved across all domains of life, its function in prokaryotes has remained unclear. Here, we show that prokaryotic Schlafen nucleases (pSlfns) are widespread antiviral effectors that protect bacteria from phages. These nucleases are fused to diverse protein domains that sense phage infection. We focus on a system where Schlafen nuclease is fused to a previously unknown immunoglobulin-like sensor domain and demonstrate that it recognizes T5-like phage tail assembly chaperones and cleaves both bacterial and viral tRNA, triggering abortive infection. Our findings redefine Schlafens as an ancient, mechanistically conserved family of immune effectors, revealing the deep evolutionary origin of tRNA-targeting antiviral immunity in humans. ### Competing Interest Statement A. Nemudryi and A. Nemudraia are inventors on patents and patent applications related to CRISPR-Cas and Schlafen immune systems and applications thereof. National Institutes of Health, R00AI171893

UK Nuclear Submarine Base Risks and Global Nuclear Arms Escalation

The article examines growing nuclear threats through the lens of Britain’s Devonport dockyard in Plymouth, the UK’s primary site for maintaining, refueling, and decommissioning nuclear-powered…

For First Time in More Than 50 Years, U.S. and Russia Have No Agreements for the Regulation of Nuclear Weapons – The USA Potato

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Jan van Aken Calls for Peaceful European Defense Without an Arms‑Race Spiral​​ - Osna.FM

Leader Jan van Aken of the German Left Party advocates for a peaceful, defense-capable Germany without extra arms spending.

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