Host recognition by lactic acid bacterial phages

Abstract Bacteriophage infection of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is one of the most significant causes of inconsistencies in the manufacture of fermented foods, affecting production schedules and organoleptic properties of the final product. Consequently, LAB phages, and particularly those infecting Lactococcus lactis, have been the focus of intensive research efforts. During the past decade, multidisciplinary scientific approaches have uncovered molecular details on the exquisite process of how a lactococcal phage recognises and binds to its host. Such approaches have incorporated genomic/molecular analyses and their partnership with phage structural analysis and host cell wall biochemical studies are discussed in this review, which will also provide our views on future directions of this research field. Phage–host interactions are diverse and, consequently, dynamic in nature. In this review, the authors explore the key findings and technical approaches that have been pivotal in improving our understanding of LAB phage–host interactions, particularly those mediated by cell-wall-associated polysaccharides.