Decoding phage communication: molecular networks, evolutionary dynamics, and therapeutic applications

Communication between bacteriophages, particularly in biofilms, has long been studied. The recent discovery of the arbitrium lysis-lysogeny switch in Bacillus phages, similar to bacterial quorum sensing, has renewed interest in phage communication. This review examines the arbitrium system alongside other switching mechanisms, explores its role in pathogen-phage-host immune interactions, and proposes design principles for "smart" phage therapies.