Advancements in Symbiotic Phage Interactions with Microbial Hosts: Bacteria, Algae, and Fungi

Phages, a type of virus coexisting synergistically with various microbial hosts like algae, bacteria, and fungi, play a pivotal role in microbial ecology by selectively infecting specific host cells without disturbing other microflora. Historically, phages have been organized based on morphology and classified through methods developed by bodies such as the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, relying on phylogeny and genomic properties. In recent times, there have been numerous breakthroughs in understanding phage taxonomy and function, particularly their symbiotic relationships across different microbial groups. This background sets the stage for a deeper exploration of phage applications in biotechnology and medicine, especially given the rise in challenges like antibiotic resistance.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the dynamics of phage interactions with bacteria, algae, and fungi, and its implications for developing therapeutic solutions that could potentially revolutionize treatment strategies for various diseases. The goal is to expand our understanding of phage biology and assess the viability of phage-based therapy in managing microbial populations to enhance human health, focusing on overcoming the limitations of traditional antibiotics and antivirals.

To gather further insights into the range of phage interactions within their microbial hosts, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Identification techniques for bacteriophages, cyanophages, and mycophages.
o Specific applications of bacteriophages, cyanophages, and mycophages in therapy.
o Development of innovative phage therapy strategies and their comparison with existing methodologies.
o Use of novel phage isolates in conjunction with adjuvant molecules or biomaterials.
o Investigation of phage interaction with other viruses to find the existence and occurrence of virophage.

We invite original research, viewpoints, opinions, and reviews focused on phage biology and its therapeutic applications concerning infectious diseases.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Phages, Symbiotic interactions, Bacteriophages, Cyanophages, Mycophages, Phage therapy, Virophage, Microbial symbiosis, Phage biology, Microbial hosts

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.