Mechanisms and clinical importance of bacteriophage resistance

This review highlights the newest discoveries in the field of bacteriophage defense and discusses the relevance of defense mechanisms for the potential clinical use of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents. We are in the midst of a golden age of uncovering defense systems against bacteriophages. Apart from the fundamental interest in these defense systems, and revolutionary applications that have been derived from them (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9 and restriction endonucleases), it is unknown how defense systems contribute to resistance formation against bacteriophages in clinical settings. Bacteriophages are now being reconsidered as therapeutic agents against bacterial infections due the emergence of multidrug resistance. However, bacteriophage resistance through defense systems and other means could hinder the development of successful phage-based therapies. Here, we review the current state of the field of bacteriophage defense, highlight the relevance of bacteriophage defense for potential clinical use of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents and suggest new directions of research.

Automated summary

This article explores the defense mechanisms of bacteriophages and their relevance for the potential clinical use of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents, suggesting new directions for research.