Figure 3.

Hypothesized depolymerase-mediated phage-phage interactions. Soluble depolymerases should be shareable extracellular products allowing for synergistic or antagonistic interactions among phages. (Top) A depolymerase produced by the red phage digests the exopolysaccharide (EPS) capsule, exposing phage receptors attached to the cell membrane, but also exposing the blue receptor, which promotes entry of the blue phage. (Bottom) A depolymerase produced by the red phage digests the EPS capsule, exposing its receptor, but also releasing the blue receptor, which was embedded in the EPS capsule, thus blocking entrance of the blue phage.