The human oral phageome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Oral Biology

Background:

• Oral bacteriophages (phages) are bacterial viruses with significant but understudied roles in oral ecosystems.
• Phages exist in various forms within oral environments, including active virions, lysogens, and integrated DNA fragments.
• Over 2000 oral phages are known to infect major oral bacterial phyla, including Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of oral phage diversity.
• To explore the mechanisms by which phages influence oral biofilm ecology.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of phages for controlling periodontal diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on oral bacteriophages.
• Analysis of phage-bacterial interactions within oral biofilms.
• Assessment of phage genomes and their predicted hosts.

Main Results:

• The oral phage population exhibits extensive diversity, with over 2000 identified or predicted phage species.
• Phages play a role in regulating bacterial populations within oral biofilms through lysis and lysogeny.
• Significant phage populations target key bacterial phyla prevalent in the oral cavity.

Conclusions:

• Oral phages are a crucial component of the oral microbiome, influencing its structure and function.
• Understanding oral phage ecology is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
• Phage-based therapies show promise for managing periodontal pathogens and improving oral health.