New details about bacteriophage T7-host interactions

Because bacteriophages provide insights into complex phenomena, they are attractive subjects for research. Phage gene products that prevent or eliminate bacterial infections could provide alternative strategies for fighting antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Bacteriophage T7 overcomes host obstacles at every step of its lytic cycle, adapting to changes in host receptors, evading restriction enzymes, generating needed nucleotides, and inactivating host enzymes that interfere with its propagation. Studying how bacteriophage T7 interacts with its host expands our understanding of how viruses or other microorganisms interact with even more complex host organisms.