LL12-myoviridae
Synopsis of LL12-myoviridae
LL12-Myoviridae refers to a specific lytic bacteriophage from the Myoviridae family, characterized by its large, contractile tail and double-stranded DNA genome. Like other myoviruses, LL12 operates by injecting its genetic material into bacterial cells—most notably E. coli—replicating rapidly and lysing (destroying) the host bacterium in the process. This makes it a candidate for phage therapy, bacterial control in food safety, and microbiome modulation.
Phages like LL12 are considered highly specific to their bacterial targets and do not harm beneficial microbes or human cells, which is a major advantage over broad-spectrum antibiotics. LL12-Myoviridae has been studied for its stability in gastrointestinal environments, its ability to reduce bacterial colonization without disrupting the overall gut microbiota, and its potential role in reducing the virulence of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Applications for LL12 and similar phages include:
- Precision therapy for drug-resistant E. coli infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, enteric diseases)
- Probiotic-phage combinations to protect or optimize gut health
- Food safety and livestock use, where phages are used to prevent contamination or infection without antibiotics
Historical Use:
Although LL12 itself is a recent development in phage biotechnology, the therapeutic use of bacteriophages dates back to the early 20th century. Bacteriophages were first described in 1915 by Frederick Twort and more thoroughly characterized by Félix d’Hérelle in 1917, who proposed their use to fight bacterial infections.
Throughout the 1920s to 1940s, phages were used in Europe, especially in France, Georgia, and the Soviet Union, to treat dysentery, cholera, and other bacterial diseases. In particular, the Eliava Institute in Tbilisi, Georgia, became a global center for phage therapy research and development—a tradition that continues today. LL12-style myoviruses would have fit the profile of the phages used in these early therapeutic efforts against E. coli-related illnesses.
However, the widespread discovery of antibiotics in the mid-20th century eclipsed phage therapy in the West. It wasn’t until the 21st century, driven by the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections, that interest in bacteriophage-based solutions was reignited.
Phages like LL12 are now being re-examined not only for infectious disease control but also for precision microbiome modulation, opening possibilities in personalized medicine, gut-brain health, and autoimmune disease management. This marks a new chapter in the revival of a century-old biological therapy, enhanced by genomic tools and synthetic biology.
LL12-myoviridae is used for these health conditions
Infection (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Staph Infections (Scientific)
