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Immunogenicity of bacteriophages
Kevin Champagne-Jorgensen1, Tiffany Luong1, Taylor Darby1
1Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
Trends in Microbiology
|May 17, 2023
Summary
Bacteriophages (phages) interacting with human cells can trigger immune responses, similar to viruses. Phage structure and hosts influence this immunogenicity, a topic requiring further research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Human-Bacteriophage Interactions
Background:
- The human body hosts trillions of bacteriophages (phages), but their influence on mammalian hosts is largely unknown.
- Existing knowledge suggests phages may actively interact with host cells, potentially modulating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of phage-mammalian cell interactions.
- To present evidence for phage-induced inflammatory and antiviral immune responses in hosts.
- To explore factors influencing the variable immunogenicity of different phages.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on phage-host interactions.
- Analysis of evidence for phage internalization by mammalian cells.
- Examination of conserved viral detection receptor activation by phages.
Main Results:
- Phages are internalized by host cells and activate viral detection pathways.
- These interactions induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and adaptive immune responses.
- Significant variability in phage immunogenicity suggests a role for phage structure and host environment.
Conclusions:
- Direct phage-mammalian cell interactions can elicit significant host immune responses.
- Phage structural characteristics and host (bacterial and human) environments are key determinants of immunogenicity.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and implications of these interactions.
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