Highlights
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Components involved in phage–host interactions defined in lactococcal model systems.
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Understanding the molecular players can be harnessed to prevent phage infection.
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Receptor-binding proteins may be used as competitive molecules to phage infection.
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Phage genome sequencing identifies novel elements that can be used in fermentations.
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Phage lysins are useful as remedial agents; phage promoters drive fermentations.