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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
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AI-Driven Structural Elucidation of the Bacteriophage KP32: Decoding Its Molecular Arsenal Against Klebsiella

Mario Privitera1,2, Giovanni Barra1, Flavia Squeglia1

  • 1Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy.

Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition)
|December 6, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Researchers used AI to model the Klebsiella phage KP32 structure, revealing its protein composition. This breakthrough advances phage therapy for combating antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Area of Science:

  • Structural biology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Klebsiella pneumoniae is a critical Gram-negative bacterium identified by the WHO.
  • Phage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics due to K. pneumoniae's resistance.
  • Understanding bacteriophage structure is vital for their application in medicine and biotechnology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To model the structure of Klebsiella phage KP32 (KP32) using artificial intelligence.
  • To elucidate the protein composition and structural organization of KP32.
  • To advance the understanding of bacteriophages for potential therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized artificial intelligence with AlphaFold 3.0 (AF3) for structural modeling.
  • Employed bioinformatic analysis for sequence and structure assessment.
  • Reconstructed the entire structure of Klebsiella phage KP32.

Main Results:

  • The complete structure of phage KP32 was reconstructed, comprising over 500 protein chains.
  • The capsid is formed by 415 protein chains.
  • A core-portal-tail complex (104 proteins) facilitates adherence, capsular hydrolysis, and genetic injection into K. pneumoniae.

Conclusions:

  • Structural characterization of bacteriophages is limited, hindering phage therapy.
  • Reconstructing entire phages is a viable strategy to understand their mechanisms.
  • This knowledge enhances the potential of phage therapy for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Keywords:
artificial intelligencebacteriophageprotein structure

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