Concentration-dependent dual activity of a phage-encoded lysin modulates infection dynamics in mycobacteriophage D29.

LysB of mycobacteriophage D29 exhibits concentration-dependent dual activity, facilitating virion release early and blocking infection later, thus modulating infection dynamics.

• Why it matters: Understanding how phages regulate host populations is vital for developing effective antibacterial therapies, especially to prevent host extinction and manage bacterial diseases.
• What they did: Researchers analyzed LysB's function through genetic deletion and exogenous application, revealing its opposing roles during infection stages and its impact on phage propagation.
• The result: Findings show LysB's dual activity creates a negative feedback loop that limits phage infection, offering insights for engineering phages with improved therapeutic potential.