On the Horizon: Designer Phages
Designer phages are genetically engineered bacteriophages (viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria) that can selectively target and kill harmful bacteria, avoiding the development of resistance while minimizing harm to beneficial bacteria.
The concept has been around for almost a century. Notable figures who contributed to the research are George Church, Jennifer Doudna (who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for their development of CRISPR-Cas9), Rotem Sorek, Graham Hatfull, and Paul Turner.
Why do you care?
Designer phages can serve as tools that:
- Target and kill bacterial pathogens.
- Identify specific strains of bacteria, allowing for personalized and precise treatment based on the individual’s bacterial infection profile.
- Target and kill bacteria responsible for environmental pollution or contamination, like cleaning up oil spills or other environmental hazards.
- Combat harmful bacteria that affect crops, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
- Carry reporter genes that produce a detectable signal when the phages infect specific bacteria, enabling it as a diagnostic tool for identifying the presence of specific bacterial strains.
- Eliminate harmful bacteria in food, contributing to food safety and preservation.
- Help researchers studying bacterial physiology and genetics, gaining insights into the biology of bacteria.
How does it work?
- The first step intends to identify the specific bacteria as a target, considering its clinical relevance, antibiotic resistance, public health impact, ethical and safety considerations, and market need.
- Then, researchers modify the genetic material of a naturally occurring bacteriophage using different techniques (CRISPR-Cas9 being one of them).
Genetic modifications might include altering the phage’s receptor-binding proteins to make them specific to the target bacteria. Additional adjustments can target the phage’s ability to infect and kill the target.
