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New insights into intestinal phages

R Sausset1,2, M A Petit1, V Gaboriau-Routhiau1,3,4

  • 1Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

Mucosal Immunology
|January 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal phages, viruses that infect gut bacteria, are increasingly studied. Their exact role in gut health and disease remains unclear, despite new discoveries.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The intestinal microbiota is crucial for human health.
  • The viral component, primarily bacteriophages, is gaining research attention.
  • Advances in viral metagenomics have revealed novel phage families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on intestinal phages.
  • To discuss phage identity, lifestyles, and effects on gut microbiota.
  • To highlight phage interactions with the immune system.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of viral metagenomics studies.
  • Analysis of existing data on phage composition and function.
  • Synthesis of findings on phage-host interactions.

Main Results:

  • Numerous novel phage families have been identified.
  • Phage community changes are noted in various diseases.
  • The direct impact of phages on gut microbiota structure is still poorly understood.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to clarify the role of intestinal phages in health and disease.
  • Understanding phage-immune system interactions is essential.
  • Phages may directly influence gut microbiota composition and function.

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