title: Evolutionary Ecology of Prokaryotic Immune Mechanisms.
abstract: Bacteria have a range of distinct immune strategies that provide protection against bacteriophage (phage) infections. While much has been learned about the mechanism of action of these defense strategies, it is less clear why such diversity in defense strategies has evolved. In this review, we discuss the short- and long-term costs and benefits of the different resistance strategies and, hence, the ecological conditions that are likely to favor the different strategies alone and in combination. Finally, we discuss some of the broader consequences, beyond resistance to phage and other genetic elements, resulting from the operation of different immune strategies.
authors.affiliation: ESI and CEC, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Stineke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: van Houte
authors.affiliation: ESI and CEC, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Angus
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Buckling
authors.affiliation: ESI and CEC, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom westra.edze@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Edze R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Westra
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology*; D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D064113:CRISPR-Cas Systems / Q000235:genetics; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000502:physiology*; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011991:Receptors, Virus