Understanding phage BX-1 resistance in Vibrio alginolyticus AP-1 and the role of quorum-sensing regulation

Abstract

Phage therapy has garnered significant attention as a promising solution to antibiotic resistance in aquaculture. However, its application is hindered by a limited understanding of the genotypic and phenotypic dynamics governing phage-host interactions. Bacteria have developed various defense mechanisms against phages, such as mutations in phage receptors. In this study, we demonstrate that the bacterial cellulose biosynthesis-related gene bcsE plays a crucial role in determining susceptibility to phage BX-1, while quorum-sensing (QS) systems significantly influence collective phage-related behaviors. By characterizing the mechanisms of phage resistance and the regulatory role of QS in susceptibility, our findings enhance the understanding of phage-host interactions and pave the way for more effective phage therapy applications. Collectively, these insights illuminate the evolutionary complexities of phage-defense systems and the broader strategies that bacteria employ to coexist with phages.