Phage Therapy and Phage-Based Drug Development: A Comprehensive Review
Longzhu Cui *
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Shinya Watanabe
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Kazuhiko Miyanaga
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Kotaro Kiga
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan and Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
Teppei Sasahara
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Yoshifumi Aiba
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Xin-Ee Tan
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Srivani Veeranarayanan
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Kanate Thitiananpakorn
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Huong Minh Nguyen
Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke City 329-0498, Japan.
Dhammika Leshan Wannigama
Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata 990-2292, Japan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Phage therapy, the use of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections, has a history dating back to the early 20th century. It is regaining momentum as a promising weapon against the rising threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is an escalating global health crisis, posing a severe threat to the control of microbial diseases. This comprehensive review explores the historical context, the modern resurgence of phage therapy, and phage-facilitated advancements in medical and technological fields. It details the mechanisms of action and applications of phages in treating MDR bacterial infections, particularly those associated with biofilms and intracellular pathogens. The review further highlights innovative uses of phages in vaccine development, cancer therapy, and as gene delivery vectors. Despite its targeted and efficient approach, phage therapy faces challenges related to phage stability, immune response, and regulatory approval. By examining these areas in detail, this review underscores the immense potential and remaining hurdles in integrating phage-based therapies into modern medical practices.
Keywords: Bacteriophage, phage therapy, antimicrobial resistance, intracellular pathogen, biofilm generating pathogen, phage vector, antibacterial phage capsid, phage-based vaccines, phage-based medicine