A recipient-based anti-conjugation factor triggers an abortive mechanism by targeting the Type IV secretion system
Liyana Ayub Ow Yong, Jiang Yeow, Suma Tiruvayipati, Siyi Chen, Celestine Grace Xueting Cai, Swaine Lin Chen, Shu‐Sin Chng
The paper identifies AbjA, a bacterial protein that blocks plasmid conjugation by targeting the T4SS ATPase TrbE, inducing cell death and preventing horizontal gene transfer.
bioRxiv · Mar 11, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology