# Phage T7 kinase disarms bacterial defenses through widespread phosphorylation

Researchers discovered that the kinase encoded by phage T7 phosphorylates a broad range of bacterial proteins, effectively disabling host defense systems. This pervasive modification reveals a new strategy by which phages overcome bacterial immunity, with potential implications for phage therapy.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Science
- [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10934-5) — 2026-08-19