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Lactococcal phage-host profiling through binding studies between cell wall polysaccharide types and Skunavirus
Kelsey White1,2, Giovanni Eraclio3, Brian McDonnell1,2
1School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, T12 Y337, Ireland.
Microbial Genomics
|April 28, 2025
Summary
Bacteriophages infecting dairy starter cultures like Lactococcus lactis can disrupt fermentation. This study identified new Skunavirus bacteriophage types and their binding mechanisms, improving control over dairy production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are crucial for dairy fermentations.
- Bacteriophages can infect LAB, causing fermentation failures.
- Phage infection often involves receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) interacting with cell wall polysaccharides (CWPS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate phage prevalence and diversity in European dairy fermentations.
- To analyze Skunavirus RBP genotypes and their binding specificities.
- To enhance understanding of phage-host interactions in dairy starter cultures.
Main Methods:
- Phageome analysis of whey samples from European dairy fermentations.
- Evaluation of Skunavirus RBP genotypes.
- Assessment of RBP-CWPS binding abilities.
Main Results:
- Identified a range of Skunavirus RBP genotypes in dairy phageomes.
- Expanded the Skunavirus RBP grouping system.
- Discovered novel Skunavirus RBP (sub)groups and their CWPS binding specificities.
Conclusions:
- Increased knowledge of lactococcal Skunavirus RBP diversity and binding.
- Improved predictability of dairy fermentation outcomes.
- Enhanced robustness of starter culture rotations and blends.
