Bacterial invasion and killing by predatory Bdellovibrio primed by predator prey cell recognition and self protection

Bacterial predation, as exemplified by the periplasm-invading model predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, is a fascinating multistage process facilitated by several adaptations to 'regular' bacterial lifestyles. We are beginning to understand more about such adaptations at the molecular level, particularly those concerning processes near the beginning of the predatory lifecycle (recognition, invasion, prey cell wall manipulation). In this review we highlight recent advances in investigating predation and tie these into some of the classical observations and phenotypes that make this two-cell system such an interesting case study in evolution.