Sarcouncil Journal of Applied Sciences Aims & Scope

Abstract: Human microbiome is essential in the process of maintaining physiological homeostasis, immune control and metabolic balance. Dysbiosis, also referred to as structural and functional disturbance of microbial communities, has been suggested in a wide range of diseases, including metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory diseases, as well as antimicrobial-resistant infections. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy has resurfaced as one of the potential approaches to precision based selection of pathogenic bacteria and preservation of beneficial commensals. In contrast to the general antibiotics, phages are highly specific to the host and have self-amplifying properties among the target bacterial groups. This review critically evaluates a conceptual framework of microbiome reprogramming with phage therapy and discusses the principles of mechanistic, ecological, translational, and regulation issues. We discuss the progress in synthetic biology, phage engineering, delivery systems, and clinical trial design, and discuss the challenges of developing resistance, immunogenicity, and ecological unpredictability. The interactions between phages and microbiomes and their hosts have to be thoroughly studied in order to utilize phage therapy as a new generation microbiome-modulating intervention.