Identification of Escherichia coli Host Genes That Influence the Bacteriophage Lambda (λ) T4rII Exclusion (Rex) Phenotype

The T4rII exclusion (Rex) phenotype is the inability of T4rII mutant bacteriophage to propagate in hosts (Escherichia coli) lysogenized by bacteriophage lambda (λ). The Rex phenotype, triggered by T4rII infection of a rex(+) λ lysogen, results in rapid membrane depolarization imposing a harsh cellular environment that resembles stationary phase. Rex “activation” has been proposed as an altruistic cell death system to protect the λ prophage and its host from T4rII superinfection. Although well studied for over 60 years, the mechanism behind Rex still remains unclear. We have identified key nonessential genes involved in this enigmatic exclusion system by examining T4rII infection across a collection of rex(+) single-gene knockouts. We further developed a system for rapid, one-step isolation of host mutations that could attenuate/abrogate the Rex phenotype. For the first time, we identified host mutations that influence Rex activity and rex(+) host sensitivity to T4rII infection. Among others, notable genes include tolA, ompA, ompF, ompW, ompX, ompT, lpp, mglC, and rpoS. They are critical players in cellular osmotic balance and are part of the stationary phase and/or membrane distress regulons. Based on these findings, we propose a new model that connects Rex to the σ(S), σ(E) regulons and key membrane proteins.