CRISPR-Csx28 forms a Cas13b-activated large-pore channel required for robust CRISPR-Cas immunity

In response to bacterial viruses (bacteriophage) and other environmental stressors, prokaryotes have evolved a myriad of defense strategies including CRISPR-Cas systems. CRISPR-Cas systems have recently been shown to influence biofilm formation and virulence of several pathogenic bacteria that reside in the oral cavity. Of these bacteria, select gram-negative species possess Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems which use the RNA-guided RNase Cas13 to detect and defend against foreign RNA emanating from mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and bacteriophage.