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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
09:40
Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
Published on: June 11, 2015
13.1K
Phage host range: determinants, dynamics and applications
Audrey Leprince1, Vincent Somerville1, Audrey A Addablah1
1Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|April 23, 2026
Summary
Understanding phage host range is crucial for applications in therapy and biocontrol. This review explores the dynamic molecular and ecological factors influencing phage specificity, essential for developing predictive tools.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Host range determination is fundamental for phage characterization and applications.
- Traditional focus on viral-bacterial receptor interactions overlooks broader determinants.
- Bacterial defense systems and environmental factors significantly shape phage specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an integrated perspective on the molecular and ecological determinants of phage host range.
- To explore the dynamic nature of phage host range.
- To discuss implications for phage-based applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on phage-host interactions.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms governing phage adsorption and bacterial defense.
- Integration of ecological factors influencing phage specificity.
Main Results:
- Phage host range is determined by a complex interplay of factors beyond initial adsorption.
- Bacterial defense systems, phage-phage interactions, and environmental conditions are key.
- Phage host range is dynamic, influenced by coevolution and phenotypic variability.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of diverse, dynamic factors is essential for predicting phage host range.
- Genomic data-driven prediction tools require deep insights into these determinants.
- This knowledge is critical for advancing phage therapy and biocontrol strategies.
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