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

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.

Article types and fees

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

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... 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:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Bacteriophage, phage-host interaction, Ecological Dynamic, Community, Genome, Molecular mechanisms

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.