Precision Genome Editing for Next-Generation Antimicrobial Therapies: Harnessing Synthetic Biology and Phage Engineering to Combat Drug-Resistant Infections

The field of precision genome editing is rapidly transforming how scientists and clinicians address the mounting threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With conventional antibiotics losing effectiveness against a growing range of pathogens, innovative therapies that leverage synthetic biology and phage engineering have drawn significant attention. Recent advances in genome editing technologies (such as CRISPR-Cas systems) and the design of programmable phages now allow researchers to specifically target bacterial genomes, disrupt virulence factors, and restore drug susceptibility. Pioneering studies have demonstrated species- or strain-specific bacterial killing, resistance gene editing, and synergistic effects between engineered phages and antibiotics. Despite these breakthroughs, critical gaps persist in optimizing delivery methods, understanding host-microbe interactions, mitigating resistance evolution, and ensuring biosafety and regulatory compliance.

This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research and perspectives that accelerate the clinical translation of precision genome editing, synthetic biology, and phage engineering for next-generation antimicrobial therapies. Key objectives include elucidating mechanisms of targeted pathogen destruction, refining delivery systems and control circuits, and integrating computational tools dedicated to the prediction, design, and safety of engineered antimicrobials. We aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue linking advances in molecular microbiology, virology, immunology, biotechnology, and clinical research, while also highlighting practical considerations for real-world application and ethical use.

This Topic encompasses preclinical, translational, and early clinical research that exploits genome editing and synthetic biology to overcome the challenges of drug-resistant infections. Articles are sought that explore the design, characterization, and implementation of targeted antimicrobial agents and their delivery vehicles in a range of microbial and host contexts, as well as studies addressing regulatory, safety, and ethical frameworks. To gather further insights in the development, optimization, and deployment of genome-edited antimicrobials, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Precision targeting using CRISPR, nucleases, and synthetic biology for pathogen-specific therapies
o Engineering and delivery of programmable phages and alternative vectors
o Design and application of safety switches and regulatory circuits
o Modulation of host–microbiome interactions and ecological impacts
o Immunological considerations and evolutionary dynamics of resistance
o Translational and practical aspects including GMP manufacturing, regulatory approval, and clinical implementation
o Computational tool development, standards, and benchmarking for editing and delivery platforms

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... 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
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Precision genome editing, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Synthetic Biology, CRIPSR-Cas, Programmable Phages, Targeted Antimicrobial Therapies, Host-Microbiome Interactions, Evolution of Resistance, Biosafety and Regulation Frameworks

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.