A bacteriophages journey through the human body

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Microbiome Research
• Virology

Background:

• The human body hosts a diverse microbiome, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
• Bacterial viruses, or bacteriophages (phages), are abundant and exert selective pressure on bacterial hosts.
• Phages inhabit various body sites, influencing the microbiome's impact on health, yet their interactions with human systems are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the novel concept of the "intra-body phageome."
• To explore the interactions between bacteriophages and the human body from a phage-centric perspective.
• To highlight the potential direct and indirect roles of phages in human health and immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on bacteriophages and the human microbiome.
• Conceptualization of the
• intra-body phageome
• to describe phage presence in traditionally sterile body sites.
• Phage-centric analysis of interactions with human cells, organs, and the immune system.

Main Results:

• Phages are prevalent throughout the human body, including mucosal surfaces and internal organs.
• Phages can interact with human cells, cross epithelial barriers, and disseminate within the body.
• Evidence suggests phages may influence and manipulate the human immune system.

Conclusions:

• The concept of the intra-body phageome expands our understanding of microbial inhabitants in the human body.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions between phages and mammalian hosts.
• Recognizing these interactions is crucial for appreciating the full scope of the human microbiome's influence on health.