Expanding arsenal of type III CRISPR-Cas antiviral defense

Abstract

CRISPR-Cas systems are adaptive immune systems that protect prokaryotes from invading genetic elements through acquisition of foreign nucleic acid sequences and RNA-guided recognition of target molecules. Among the diverse CRISPR-Cas families, type III systems represent a highly complex and versatile branch that couples sequence-specific interference with nucleotide-based signaling and activation of diverse downstream immune responses. Recent discoveries have substantially expanded the functional diversity of type III CRISPR-Cas systems, revealing new subtypes, ancillary effectors, nucleotide second messengers, signal-degrading enzymes, and viral counter-defense strategies. Here, we summarize current mechanistic and structural insights into type III CRISPR-Cas biology, from adaptation and target recognition to immune signaling, ancillary effector-mediated responses, and defense regulation. We further discuss emerging biotechnological applications of type III systems and highlight key unanswered questions shaping future research in this rapidly evolving field.