The dawn of phage therapy

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine

Background:

• Bacteriophages (phages) are abundant biological entities with antibacterial properties.
• Antibiotic resistance has renewed interest in phage therapy as a safe alternative.
• Phages offer potential applications in human nanomedicine and beyond.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in phage therapy against various pathogens.
• To summarize bacterial immunity and phage counter-defense mechanisms.
• To discuss phage-based products and their therapeutic and industrial applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific publications on phage therapy.
• Analysis of research on phage-bacterial interactions and host immunity.
• Examination of approved phage products and their safety profiles.

Main Results:

• Phage therapy shows promise against food, human, and marine pathogens.
• Bacterial defense systems and phage 'revenge' tactics are detailed.
• Phage products, including whole phages and proteins, are evaluated for safety and efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Phages and phage proteins hold significant potential for therapeutics and industrial biotechnology.
• Further research into engineered phages could expand their use in cancer treatment and vaccine production.
• Phage therapy represents a viable strategy to combat antibiotic resistance.