Using cryo-electron microscopy the authors show that PtuA, an ATPase, and PtuB, a nuclease, assemble into a supramolecular complex with a stoichiometry of 6:2 for anti-phage defense in bacteria. Nucleoside triphosphates inhibit PtuAB activity while phage infection activates PtuAB to cleave phage genome for immune defense.
- Yuanyuan Li
- Zhangfei Shen
- Yamei Yu
