Interaction of bacteriophages with mammalian cells

Abstract

Natural bacteriophages (present in the microbiome) and those applied as therapeutic agents may interact with mammalian cells and tissues. Adhesion interactions may define bacteriophage pharmacokinetics and resulting efficiency of bacteriophage agents in therapeutic applications by shaping bacteriophage homing to tissues and organs. Here we propose protocols for testing direct adhesion of bacteriophages or bacteriophage proteins to mammalian cells (in vitro). We further propose an animal model for investigation of accumulation/homing of bacteriophages in tissues (in vivo).