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Engineering bacteriophages for enhanced host range and efficacy: insights from bacteriophage-bacteria interactions
Huang-Jie Jia1,2, Pan-Pan Jia3, Supei Yin4
1College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|June 16, 2023
Summary
Phage engineering enhances bacteriophage (phage) therapy by expanding host range and improving efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Understanding phage-host interactions guides modifications for better therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Bacteriophages (phages) are abundant viruses with potential against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Phage specificity and limited host range restrict their therapeutic effectiveness.
- Phage engineering offers solutions to overcome these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review phage engineering methods for enhancing therapeutic applications.
- To highlight the importance of understanding phage-host interactions for engineering.
- To explore strategies for modifying phage host range.
Main Methods:
- Gene editing techniques for phage modification.
- CRISPR-Cas systems for recombination and counter-selection.
- High-throughput methods for identifying phage-host interactions and genes.
- In-host and out-of-host engineering approaches.
- Analysis of phage transcription and assembly functions.
Main Results:
- Phage engineering can broaden host range and improve efficacy.
- Understanding receptor-ligand interactions guides protein modification.
- CRISPR-Cas systems facilitate genetic manipulation of phages.
- High-throughput screening aids in identifying target genes for modification.
- Engineered phages show promise for combating antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions:
- Phage engineering is a powerful tool to develop novel therapeutics against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
- Strategic modification of phage-host interactions is key to expanding therapeutic potential.
- Continued research into phage biology and engineering methods is crucial for advancing phage therapy.
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