M13 Phage Modulates Gut Inflammation and Immunity

This study explores Varadan and Grasis' research on phage-epithelial interactions, focusing on phages' role in inflammation, infection responses, and antiviral mechanisms. Using HT-29 epithelial cells, lytic phages (T4, ΦX174) and filamentous phages (M13, Fd) demonstrate diverse immune dynamics. M13 triggers IL-8 and Type I/III interferons, counteracts bacterial internalization, and enhances antimicrobial peptide expression with butyrate. Lytic phages mitigate LPS-induced inflammation. The...