Post-transcriptional control during T4 infection

Bacteriophage T4 has provided a model system for understanding post-transcriptional regulation in prokaryotes. This review summarizes several mechanisms of RNA processing and translational control in T4 infection, focusing on the coordinated actions of phage and host RNases. Key regulators such as RNase E, RegB, and tRNA-processing enzymes are discussed, along with the roles of RNA secondary structures and the translational repressors gp32, gp43, and RegA. In addition, we review recent studies that show how the host’s antiphage toxin–antitoxin defense systems target T4 mRNAs as well as counter-strategies by the phage. Together, these components help to ensure temporal precision and efficiency of phage gene expression during phage infection.