Chromosomally-Encoded Hok/Sok Toxin/Antitoxin SystemsInhibit Phage Infection

Chromosomally expressed Hok proteins in Escherichia coli inhibit infection by BASEL phage 48, with the strongest effect from HokB.

• Why it matters: Hok/Sok TA systems are linked to phage defense, but recent work has challenged whether Hok/Sok truly inhibits phage infection in vivo.
• What they did: The study tested five chromosomally derived hok+/sok+ loci plus an orphan hok+ locus in Escherichia coli, measuring inhibition of infection by BASEL phages 48, 34, and 39.
• The result: HokB produced the greatest inhibition, also blocking BASEL phages 34 and 39, and BASEL phage 48 infection required the WecB-generated receptor NGR.

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