Innovations in Bacteriophage Genome Engineering for Combating Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Bacteriophage engineering is a promising strategy to address multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections that pose significant challenges to public health due to the overuse of antibiotics. Bacteria can develop resistance mechanisms, such as receptor modification and activation of antiviral defense systems, which further complicates the application of phage therapy. Additionally, long-term phage therapy can result in the production of anti-phage antibodies, which may interfere with treatment. These factors require advanced engineering techniques to improve the efficacy of phages and expand their host range. Recent advances in genome engineering methods, including CRISPR/Cas9, homologous recombination, and other synthetic biology techniques, offer promising solutions to these challenges. By modifying receptor-binding proteins and using high-yield screening methods, researchers can create phages that are better equipped to target MDR bacteria effectively. Furthermore, understanding the intricate interactions between phages and their bacterial hosts is critical to guiding these engineering efforts. Future development perspectives lie in integrating these advanced engineering techniques into clinical practice, potentially putting bacteriophages at the forefront of fighting MDR bacterial infections.