Phage-specific antibodies impair its antibacterial efficacy

Abstract:

Phage therapy has become an important choice to control multi-drug-resistant bacteria. As viruses containing both proteins and nucleic acids, phages can induce the generation of specific neutralizing antibodies in the host. This article reviews the phage-specific neutralizing antibodies during phage therapy, particularly the law of neutralizing antibody generation, the influence of the antibodies on phages' antibacterial efficacy, and the countermeasures against the influence. In summary, phage particles do induce the generation of specific neutralizing antibodies in the body, and the level of antibodies is correlated with the usage, type, dosage, and structural proteins of phages, the immunity of the host, and infected sites, treatment duration, etc. The generation time and yield are different among different types of antibodies. They all can neutralize phages and reduce the antibacterial efficacy. Therefore, in phage therapy, measures for controlling the neutralizing antibodies or strategies for different statuses/types of infection should be taken to reduce the generation of neutralizing antibodies and achieve the best therapeutic efficacy.

Key words:phage therapy;antibodies;antibacterial efficacy