Kinetic Analysis of Bacteriophage Sf6 Binding to Outer Membrane Protein A Using Whole Virions

Natalia B. Hubbs; Mareena M. Whisby-Pitts; Jonathan L. McMurry

Virtually all viruses must translocate their genetic information into their respective host cells and replicate via the host cell machinery to produce progeny [1] . dsDNA bacteriophages, which infect bacteria, are the most abundant viruses in the biosphere, with a global population estimated to be greater than 10 30 [2] . The molecular mechanisms that govern bacteriophage attachment to their hosts are not completely understood. Host recognition must be well coordinated by the virus in order to ensure fitness and progeny formation, as premature genome ejection does not result in a successful infection. One common mechanism bacteriophages employ is to utilize a portion of the host cell as a receptor [3] , and this can be through interactions with surface glycans, proteins, or both.