Challenges of Studying the Human Virome - Relevant Emerging Technologies

Abstract

In this review we provide an overview of current challenges and advances in bacteriophage research within the growing field of viromics. In particular, we discuss, from a human virome study perspective, the current and emerging technologies available, their limitations in terms of de novo discoveries, and possible solutions to overcome present experimental and computational biases associated with low abundance of viral DNA or RNA. We summarize recent breakthroughs in metagenomics assembling tools and single-cell analysis, which have the potential to increase our understanding of phage biology, diversity, and interactions with both the microbial community and the human body. We expect that these recent and future advances in the field of viromics will have a strong impact on how we develop phage-based therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: bacteriophages; computational tools; host range; human virome; multi-omics; phage de novo discoveries.