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Interactions between bacterial extracellular vesicles and Bacteriophages: Dual impact on bactericidal process
Tongyan Ding1, Fengxiang Wei1, Qiaoxin Zhang2
1Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Medical Research Institute of Maternal and Child, Shenzhen, 518172, Guangdong, China.
Microbial Pathogenesis
|August 23, 2025
Summary
Bacteriophage therapy shows promise against antimicrobial resistance. Bacterial extracellular vesicles can be engineered to improve phage delivery, enhancing treatment efficacy for drug-resistant infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates novel therapeutic approaches.
- Bacteriophage (phage) therapy offers a specific and safe alternative.
- Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) have a complex role in phage infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of phage-induced BEV production.
- To analyze the bidirectional effects of BEVs on phage therapy.
- To explore engineered BEVs as a delivery platform for phage therapy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic integration of current research findings.
- Analysis of mechanisms governing BEV-phage interactions.
- Evaluation of BEVs' potential in enhancing phage delivery.
Main Results:
- BEVs can inhibit or facilitate phage activity.
- Phages induce BEV production.
- Engineered BEVs show potential to overcome phage therapy limitations.
Conclusions:
- Engineered BEVs can enhance phage delivery and efficacy.
- This approach may overcome challenges like narrow host range and poor bioavailability.
- Engineered BEVs represent a next-generation platform for phage therapy against AMR.
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