Work

Current and future directions in bacteriophage research for developing therapeutic innovations

Year: 2024

Type: editorial

Abstract: Phages are gaining attention for their ability to target drug-resistant bacteria, disrupt biofilms, and reach intracellular pathogens, offering promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics. The Collection discusses advances in phage therapy, including their application in vaccine development, cancer immunotherapy, and gene delivery systems. Key research gaps are identified, such as challenges related to phage stability, immune response, and regulatory hurdles. Despite the progress, phage therapy faces obstacles in maintaining phage viability, evading immune detection, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. The articles collectively address these challenges and propose potential solutions to enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of phage-based treatments. By overcoming these barriers, bacteriophage research has the potential to revolutionize medical therapies, providing innovative approaches to some of the most pressing healthcare challenges today.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76427-5

Authors: Longzhu Cui, Kotaro Kiga, Kiran Kondabagil, Alicja Węgrzyn

Institutions: Jichi Medical University, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, University of Gdańsk

Language: English

Topic: Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Subfield: Virology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,590