Nature Reviews Microbiology, Published online: 20 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41579-026-01318-7The life cycle of temperate bacteriophages involves lytic or lysogenic cycles and has historically served as a model for studying genetic regulation. This Review provides an updated overview of these cycles and highlights their complexities, supporting a greater appreciation of the ecological roles of temperate phages.

The life cycle of temperate bacteriophages involves lytic or lysogenic cycles and has historically served as a model for studying genetic regulation. This Review provides an updated overview of these ...