Phage tRNAs: decoding the enigma.

Abstract

The presence of tRNAs in bacteriophage genomes has intrigued scientists since their discovery in the early 1960s, as phages were believed to rely on the host tRNAs for their translation. Over the years, a multitude of hypotheses have been explored, providing evidence that phages with different lifestyles utilize tRNAs in distinct ways. In recent years, several studies have provided evidence that phage tRNAs play a crucial role in evading phage defense systems. In this review we summarize the current state of the field of phage tRNAs, highlighting their diverse roles in phage infection. We also discuss the host response to phage tRNAs and the application of this knowledge to improve phage-based therapeutics to combat bacterial infections.