Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking immune defense mechanism in E. coli bacteria, named Kongming, which cleverly turns the viral infection machinery against the virus itself.

This discovery, co-led by researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Huazhong Agricultural University, reveals a novel antiviral signaling pathway that could reshape our understanding of bacterial defenses.

Published in the journal Science on April 28, 2025, this research highlights the ongoing and complex arms race between bacteria and viruses.

The Kongming system effectively halts viral replication and prevents the virus from infecting other bacteria, showcasing a remarkable evolutionary adaptation.

The signaling molecule linked to the Kongming system, dITP, may have broader implications, potentially influencing human diseases such as cancer and inspiring new biotechnological tools.

Understanding immune systems like Kongming is crucial for designing effective phage therapies, which could enhance their clinical success in combating resistant infections.

However, some viruses have developed countermeasures against the Kongming system, incorporating enzymes that disrupt the signaling process and challenge this bacterial defense.

This research is particularly significant in light of the global health challenge posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative treatments like phage therapy.

The Kongming system's name pays homage to the ancient Chinese military strategist Zhuge Liang, who famously used enemy weapons against them, reflecting a clever tactical approach.