A recent study on bacteriophage lambda elucidates the complex phage-host interactions and structural changes during infection.

The lifecycle of the phage begins with the interaction of the gpJ protein with host cells, triggering structural change and facilitating DNA injection.

High-resolution cryo-EM images show the lambda phage tail in both closed and open states, interacting with host receptor LamB.

This interaction leads to alterations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of gpJ and significant changes in the tail fiber and baseplate hub domains (BHD).

The study details the mechanism of DNA ejection, induced by LamB receptor binding, which loosens and drops plugs in the tail tube for DNA passage.

The research provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of phage infection, with potential applications in phage therapy.