Work

The enemy of my friend is … my friend? Host phage-microbiome symbiosis: An unexpected story of mutualism and betrayal

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: How does a host turn a beneficial symbiont into a nutrient source? In this issue of Cell Reports, Zhu et al. describe a novel symbiotic mechanism where an animal hijacks a prophage in its symbiont, which triggers lysis and nutrient release.

Source: Cell Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.118194

Authors: Angela Xu, William B. Ludington

Institution: Johns Hopkins University

Language: English

Topic: Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Subfield: Virology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,620

OpenAlex ID: W7225083992