Bacteriophage (phages) are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, exerting profound influence on microbial ecology, evolution, and biogeochemical cycling. While phage-host interactions form a cornerstone of research, the ecological roles of phages interacting with host remain significantly underexplored. This Research Topic aims to bridge this gap by integrating cutting-edge research on phage-host interactions within ecological contexts, encompassing community, genomic, and cellular dimensions.

This collection will establish a foundational framework for understanding ecologically relevant phage interactions beyond bacteria, highlighting: 1) The ubiquity and specificity of phages across microbial domains; 2) Convergent and divergent evolutionary strategies in host-phage warfare; 3) Ecological implications for climate, agriculture, health, and biotechnology.

We welcome interdisciplinary studies employing genomics, transcriptomics, microscopy, modeling, and ecological network analyses. Crucially, studies must emphasize ecological context and mechanisms.

Build a comprehensive vision of phage ecology with us—submit your breakthrough research to highlight the hidden interactions shaping microbial worlds. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following sub-themes:

1. Community Ecology:
• Phage-driven structuring of multispecies microbial communities (biofilms, microbiomes)
• Tripartite interactions (e.g., phage-bacteria-fungi/algae) in natural/engineered ecosystems
• Impact on nutrient cycling, host population dynamics, and ecosystem resilience

2. Genomic and Evolutionary Dynamics:
• Comparative genomics of phages infecting hosts
• Co-evolutionary arms races and diversification mechanisms across domains
• Horizontal gene transfer mediated by phages (e.g., ARG, metabolic genes)

3. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms:
• Recognition, entry, and lysis/lysogeny strategies in archaea, fungi, and algae
• CRISPR-Cas and other host defense systems across domains
• Phage-mediated reprogramming of host metabolism and behavior

We welcome submissions of the following article types accepted in the Phage Biology section: Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Systematic Review, Technology and Code.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Ecological Dynamics of Phage-Host Interactions: From Molecules to Ecosystems