A compact Druantia defense clears phage infections via single-stranded DNA recognition and directional duplex unwinding

Himpich, S.; Gaudin, T.; Grass, L. M.; Li, H.; Loi, V. V.; Chen, C.; Klauck, E.; Popp, P. F.; Kuropka, B.; Hilal, T.; Loll, B.; Erhardt, M.; Antelmann, H.; Beisel, C.; Wahl, M. C.

doi:10.64898/2026.05.13.724758

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.05.13.724758

A compact Druantia defense clears phage infections via single-stranded DNA recognition and directional duplex unwinding

Himpich, S.·Gaudin, T.·Grass, L. M.·Li, H.·Loi, V. V.·Chen, C.·Klauck, E.·Popp, P. F.·Kuropka, B.·Hilal, T.·Loll, B.·Erhardt, M.·Antelmann, H.·Beisel, C.·Wahl, M. C.

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Abstract

Bacteria encode diverse anti-phage defense systems triggered by invader-specific molecular cues. Here, we report that the compact type III-A Druantia system recognizes exposed single-stranded DNA to drive phage clearance. Using representative systems from Escherichia coli, we show that the two encoded proteins, DruE and DruH, together clear restriction-sensitive or recombination-prone phages without affecting cell growth or viability. DruE dimerizes and engages DNA at exposed single-stranded regions to unwind DNA with 3'-to-5' directionality, resorting to unique molecular lock, wedge, and clamp elements that aid strand separation and processive translocation. DruH is a monomer in isolation and indirectly interacts with DruE and other host proteins under uninfected conditions, with an infection resulting in the dissociation of the complex. Taken together, our results reveal that exposed single-stranded DNA can trigger bacterial immunity through the directional helicase activity of type III-A Druantia. HighlightsO_LIThe E. coli Druantia III-A defense, comprising DruE and DruH, clears infecting phages C_LIO_LIDruE dimers bind exposed single-stranded DNA and unwind the upstream DNA duplex C_LIO_LI3'-to-5' DNA unwinding is aided by molecular lock, wedge, and clamp elements C_LIO_LIDruE interacts with DruH and host proteins, which are displaced upon infection C_LI

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Himpich, S., Gaudin, T., Grass, L. M., Li, H., Loi, V. V., Chen, C., Klauck, E., Popp, P. F., Kuropka, B., Hilal, T., Loll, B., Erhardt, M., Antelmann, H., Beisel, C., Wahl, M. C.. 2026-05-13. A compact Druantia defense clears phage infections via single-stranded DNA recognition and directional duplex unwinding. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.13.724758

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