Therapeutic potential of bizarre ‘jumbo’ viruses tapped for $10M HHMI emerging pathogens project
Researchers from UC San Diego and Yale University are exploring the therapeutic potential of
Bacteriophages
Articles tagged with Bacteriophages
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Atomic structure of a staphylococcal bacteriophage using cryo-electron microscopy
Researchers have gained a better understanding of the structures and functions of Andhra gene products, paving the way for custom phages for therapeutic applications. The high-resolution knowledge of the virus structure is crucial for developing targeted treatments against Staphylococcus epidermidis infections.
How to edit the genes of nature’s master manipulators
Researchers have created a method to edit the genomes of bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, using CRISPR technology. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the control of microbiomes and treat dangerous drug-resistant infections.
New function of the CRISPR gene scissors discovered
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a new function of CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors, which produce small signal molecules that bind to proteins, activating an emergency response. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating diseases using CRISPR technology.
In ironic twist, CRISPR system used to befuddle bacteria
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a CRISPR-based system that uses engineered bacteriophages to deliver genetic payloads to specific bacteria, even in complex environments. This technology enables precise single-letter changes to the genome without double-strand DNA breakage.
Maternal and neonatal viromes indicate the risk of offspring's gastrointestinal tract exposure to pathogenic viruses of vaginal origin during delivery
A study found that vaginally delivered newborns have a higher risk of exposure to pathogenic viruses from the mother's vagina, which can affect their gut health. This challenges the conventional notion that vaginal delivery is safer than cesarean section.
NIH-supported clinical trial of phage therapy for cystic fibrosis begins
A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bacteriophage therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis who carry Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The trial aims to reduce bacterial load in the lungs using a phage cocktail that targets specific bacteria, providing a potential new treatment for difficult-to-treat infections.
New UMBC research finds that viruses may have “eyes and ears” on us
Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have discovered that some viruses can sense their environment and
New bid to 'outflank' antimicrobial resistance
A new project will explore the defence mechanisms of bacterial cells to stop the spread of drug-resistant genes. The team, led by Professor Edze Westra, will use a range of methods to understand how bacteria defend against mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Phage resistant Escherichia coli strains developed to reduce fermentation failure
Researchers have developed a systematic strategy for creating phage-resistant E. coli strains, solving a major problem in industrial fermentation. The approach integrates a defense system and mutations to restrict phage life cycle, maintaining bacterial functionality and productivity.
Phage combination therapy can precisely target IBD-related gut bacteria without harming helpful microbes
Researchers have designed a phage combination therapy that precisely targets and suppresses gut bacteria associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The team identified effective phages against IBD-contributing Kp strains, which attenuated inflammation and tissue damage in mice models.
Giant viruses build a cell nucleus surprisingly like our own
Researchers discovered that giant viruses, known as bacteriophages, construct a shielded compartment that acts like a nucleus in human cells, protecting their genetic material. The nuclear-like structure allows certain components inside while serving as a defense mechanism against bacterial threats.
Viruses help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Researchers at TUM have developed a cell-free production method for bacteriophages, which can be used to target and combat specific types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new technology has the potential to produce personalized therapeutic phages for clinical trials, addressing multi-resistant germ infections.
Managing phage therapy to help save lives
Researchers at Texas A&M University's Center for Phage Technology have completed a study on phage therapy, identifying potential applications to fight multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The study showed promise in treating Acinetobacter baumannii, a deadly pathogen found in hospital settings and the Middle East.
Scientists find molecular clues behind acute and chronic phases of traumatic brain injury
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered molecular signatures associated with acute and chronic phases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to address current limitations in TBI diagnosis and treatment by identifying biomarkers and understanding the blood-brain barrier's role in drug delivery.
The retron switch
Scientists identified that retrons encode toxin proteins kept inactive by a small DNA fragment, unleashing them upon viral attacks. The EMBL team discovered how retrons form antitoxins and found natural switches to trigger growth inhibition complexes.
Tribute to Giorgi Eliava and the Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage
Giorgi Eliava's contributions to bacteriophage research are commemorated in a peer-reviewed journal. His life and work laid the foundation for phage therapy, which has potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and more. The Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage continues his legacy.
Unprecedented case series advances promise of phage therapy
Researchers used bacteriophage therapy to treat 20 complex, antibiotic-resistant lung infections in a clinical trial, resulting in no adverse reactions. More than half of treated patients experienced symptom improvement or reduced bacterial presence. The study's findings advance the promise of phage therapy as an alternative to traditi...
The largest ever series of phage therapy case studies shows a success rate of more than half
A new study reports on 20 case studies of phage therapy, showing the therapy's success in over half of patients and no adverse effects. The treatment has been shown to be effective against treatment-resistant Mycobacterium infections, with some patients experiencing spectacular outcomes.
New antibiotic combination developed at Aston University helps save life of cystic fibrosis patient
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new antibiotic combination that successfully treated a cystic fibrosis patient's deadly lung infection. The combination of imipenem/relebactam with amoxicillin eradicated the infection, enabling the patient to receive a lifesaving lung transplant.
How bacteria evade bacteriophages in vivo
Scientists discovered that bacteria adapt their gene expression to evade bacteriophages in the gut environment, reducing susceptibility to infection. This finding paves the way for improved use of phages in therapeutic purposes.
Researchers aim to discover how viruses communicate
A new research project led by Professor Edze Westra aims to uncover the mechanisms of molecular communication in viruses, which coordinate their infections and replicate in infected cells. The team will use a combination of theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches to address key questions about viral communication systems.
Not all viruses are bad: A new photoactive viral vector for anti-cancer therapy has been developed
Researchers at the University of Bologna have developed a new targeted cancer therapy based on a genetically modified phage that selectively eliminates tumour cells. The virus is engineered to transport a drug activated by light to target tumour cells, reducing side effects.
SMART researchers discover unique lysin capable of killing deadly multidrug-resistant bacteria
SMART researchers identified a novel phage lysin, Abp013, with promising antimicrobial ability against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study demonstrated Abp013's ability to effectively target complex bacterial environments and could advance treatment methods for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
A potentially longer-lasting cholera vaccine
Researchers have created a new type of cholera vaccine consisting of polysaccharides displayed on virus-like particles, generating long-lasting antibody responses in mice. The vaccine shows promise as a next-generation cholera vaccine, potentially replacing current vaccines that last only 2-5 years.
New technique improves directed evolution of microorganisms
Researchers developed Inducible Directed Evolution (IDE), a new technique for controlling directed evolution in bacteria, allowing up to 30 gene modifications at a time. This approach enables finely tuned changes to bacteria, making it suitable for biopharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing industries.
A new multipurpose on-off switch for inhibiting bacterial growth
A new antitoxin mechanism called Panacea has been discovered, neutralizing hundreds of toxins and potentially protecting bacteria against viruses. The study's findings suggest that toxin-antitoxin systems are crucial for phage therapy to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Bid to understand how bacterial defences affect the spread of 'mobile genetic elements'
A new EU-funded project, MUSIC, will investigate how bacterial defences influence the spread of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) between bacteria. MGEs can change key traits of bacteria, including antibiotic resistance and virulence.
Viruses and game theory
Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.
CrAss viral content: When it’s in your gut, it might be good for your health
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that crAss-like phages, a component of the gut virome, are less abundant in individuals with autoimmune diseases. This discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies to manage autoimmune conditions.
The hitchhiker’s guide to the soil
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of viral transport by bacterial shuttles traveling along fungal hyphae. This process allows bacteria to benefit from taking viruses on their conquest of new habitats. The study also highlights the potential influence of viruses on nutrient and carbon cycles in soil ecosystems.
New research moves closer to harnessing viruses to fight bacteria and reduce antibiotic use
New research combines antibiotics and phage therapy to cure infections more effectively and reduce antibiotic use. The study found that bacteriostatic antibiotics trigger CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity in bacteria, increasing the chances of treatment efficacy.
Phages kill dystentery-causing bacteria and reduce virulence in surviving bacteria
Researchers discovered a phage that kills Shigella flexneri bacteria and selects for mutant strains with reduced virulence. The phage targets the OmpA receptor on the bacterium, eliminating or reducing its ability to spread in the human intestine.
Chemical-free cleaning of bioreactor membranes
A team of scientists at KAUST has developed a novel approach for cleaning biofouled membranes in anaerobic bioreactors, combining UV irradiation with bacteriophages to eliminate bacteria. The method improved upon individual treatments and was proven effective over four cleaning cycles.
Research identifies new family of marine ‘megaphages’
Researchers identified a new family of marine megaphages with genomes over 650 kb in length, which could impact biogeochemical cycling. These 'megaphages', found in the English Channel, are distantly related to human gut phages and represent a new family in the marine environment.
Fighting viruses with interchangeable defense genes
Researchers discovered that bacteria exchange mobile genetic elements to defend against viruses, enabling rapid evolution of innate immunity and development of resistance. This finding has significant implications for designing phage-based therapies against bacterial infections.
Bacteria can develop strong immunity for protection against viruses
Researchers discovered two defence systems in bacteria that work together to protect against modified DNA bacteriophages. BrxU has the potential to be a biotechnological tool for mapping the human epigenome, which alters in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Phage therapy research brings scientists a step closer to harnessing viruses to fight antibiotic resistance
Researchers at the University of Exeter develop a new method to mimic microenvironments in the human body, overcoming a major obstacle to using phage therapy. The study finds that phage can effectively kill bacteria in these environments without promoting genetic resistance.
Defence system protects African salmonella from attack by viruses
Researchers have identified a new prophage-mediated defence system in Salmonella Typhimurium ST313 called BstA, which efficiently suppresses phage attacks. This discovery opens up a new avenue of research and could potentially lead to the development of new biotechnologies.
Ground-breaking bacteria-killing viruses unite with antibiotics to fight devastating antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Scientists have developed a new therapy that combines bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically targeting Mycobacterium abscessus. The treatment, using the bacteriophage 'Muddy', showed significant improvement in survival rates and severity of infections when paired with rifabutin, demonstra...
These fridge-free COVID-19 vaccines are grown in plants and bacteria
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed COVID-19 vaccine candidates made from plant viruses and bacteriophages, which can be stored and shipped without refrigeration. These vaccines trigger high production of neutralizing antibodies in mice, offering a potential solution for global distribution efforts.
‘Bacterial arch-enemy’ paves the way for new gene editing
Researchers have mapped the structure of CRISPR-Cas12j3 from bacteriophages, a discovery that reveals how it works and solves packaging problems for genome editing. The new system has vast potential for precise genome editing with improved efficiencies and alternative targeting mechanisms.
Researchers surprised to find bacterial parasites behind rise of 'super bugs'
Phages play a key role in initiating rapid bacterial evolution and the emergence of treatment-resistant superbugs, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The study reveals that phages interact with bacteria and facilitate adaptation, allowing resistant strains to gain an evolutionary advantage.
To adsorb or to do not adsorb? That is the question
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that phage potency is affected by container material, leading to reduced efficacy. The study highlights the importance of using specific containers with controlled surface properties to maintain phage concentration.
Bacteria hijack latent phage of competitor
Researchers have discovered a highly selective phage activation mechanism based on signal molecules in bacterial ecosystems. The study reveals that a specific bacterium produces a signal molecule that triggers the conversion of a latent phage into an active parasite, offering new possibilities for phage therapies and biotechnology.
Trained viruses prove more effective at fighting antibiotic resistance
Researchers have discovered that pre-trained phages can increase their ability to fight bacterial infections, delaying the onset of antibiotic resistance. This breakthrough uses evolutionary training to improve phage potency against deadly bacteria.
Using phage to discover new antifreeze proteins
A team of scientists from the University of Warwick used phage display to discover a small peptide that can bind to ice, which has potential applications in preserving frozen cells and foods. The discovery highlights the power of biotechnology tools in discovering new materials with unique properties.
The incredible bacterial 'homing missiles' that scientists want to harness
Researchers uncover how tailocins, produced by bacteria under stress, target specific strains with lethal precision. The nanomachines have potential applications in studying microbial interactions and developing new antibiotics.
NIH awards grants to support bacteriophage therapy research
The NIH has awarded grants to support research on bacteriophage therapy, an emerging field that could yield new ways to fight antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Researchers will study the interaction between phages and bacteria to create lasting, re-usable therapeutics.
Mouse study shows bacteriophage therapy could fight drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Researchers at the NIH used bacteriophages to treat mice infected with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 258, showing promising results in reducing bacterial loads. However, phage resistance was also observed in some cases, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Scientists identify over 140,000 virus species in the human gut
Researchers identified over 140,000 viral species in the human gut, with more than half never seen before. The discovery opens up new research avenues to understand how viruses living in the gut affect human health and disease.
Phages can anticipate bacteria's location and destroy them before they cause an infection
Researchers have identified a novel phage called ES17 that can specifically locate and destroy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The phage's ability to bind to mucins and heparan sulfate enables it to target bacteria in high-mucin environments, potentially preventing infections.
Study: 'Hidden' genes could be key in development of new antibiotics
A study from Texas A&M AgriLife Communications reveals that membrane-localized phage proteins may help revitalize and enhance existing antibiotics. Researchers identified 35 unique lysis genes in E. coli bacteria, which could potentially represent new mechanisms for bacterial cell lysis.
Inhaled vaccine induces fast, strong immune response in mice and non-human primates
A new lung delivery system using phage particles has been developed to induce potent antibody responses in mice and non-human primates without causing lung damage.
Cataloging nature's hidden arsenal: Viruses that infect bacteria
Researchers have developed an efficient method to study phage-microbe interactions, which can reveal bacterial receptors exploited by phages and cellular mechanisms used to respond to infection. The approach has implications for understanding microbiomes, developing new medicines and addressing antibiotic-resistant infections.
Major depressive disorder may be defined by a distinct gut microbiome
Researchers identified distinct gut microbiome signatures in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), including higher levels of Bacteroides and lower levels of Blautia. A biomarker-based diagnostic tool may help physicians diagnose MDD, providing a companion to clinical interviews.
Researchers recognize a viral protein's M.O. by just 3% of its size
Researchers discovered a unique RNA polymerase in crAss-like phages that helps transcribe its genes. The enzyme was found to be inactive in standard tests but active when exposed to specific conditions, revealing new insights into the mechanism of viral infections.
Light shed on the atomic resolution structure of phage DNA tube
Researchers have shed light on the atomic resolution structure of the phage DNA tube, a crucial component of phage therapy. The 3D structure reveals a hollow tube with flexible linkers, allowing negatively charged DNA to pass through smoothly. This study marks a significant milestone in integrated structural biology.
A new lead for disarming antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications have discovered that some phages can stop bacteria from sharing genes for antibiotic resistance by attaching to and disarming pili on bacterial surface. This discovery may lead to new treatments for infections, reducing the need for antibiotics or gentler alternatives.
Scientists uncover prophage defense mechanisms against phage attacks in mycobacteria
Researchers discovered a two-component system in the Butters prophage that blocks entry of some phages, but not others, from attacking a strain of mycobacteria. The study advances phage therapy development and may lead to engineering phage-resistant bacteria.