When discussing bacteriophages, they are typically viewed as natural enemies of bacteria and a potential alternative to antibiotics. However, a new study has shown that phage therapy may have significantly broader potential. Scientists have discovered that bacteriophages can influence not only infections but also the course of autoimmune diseases.

The researchers focused on the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae , a well-known inhabitant of the human intestine. Some strains of this bacterium can produce specialized membrane vesicles containing bacterial DNA. These structures can interact with the immune system and promote chronic inflammation.

Scientists have discovered that these bacteria may be linked to the development of autoimmune processes. To test their hypothesis, they used bacteriophages.

The results were unexpected. After phage therapy, the number of problematic bacteria in the intestines decreased significantly. At the same time, inflammatory activity decreased, and indicators associated with autoimmune disease improved.

What's particularly interesting is that the phages acted extremely selectively. Unlike many antibiotics, which can affect a broad spectrum of bacteria, bacteriophages attacked only a specific target. This allowed them to minimize interference with other components of the gut microbiome.

In recent years, scientists have increasingly discussed the connection between the microbiome and the immune system. It is believed that some bacteria can promote inflammation, while others, conversely, help control it. A new study demonstrates that bacteriophages may become a tool for precisely controlling these processes.

The obtained results require further confirmation in human clinical trials. However, the idea itself appears extremely promising. While phage therapy was previously viewed primarily as a way to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, it could now open up a new avenue—the treatment of diseases associated with immune system dysfunction.

Perhaps in the future, bacteriophages will help doctors not only destroy dangerous bacteria, but also restore the balance between the microbiome and the immune system.