Quorum sensing systems as a new target to prevent biofilm-related oral diseases

Objective The present study summarizes the current knowledge on the role of bacterial extracellular signaling systems, known as quorum sensing (QS), in oral biofilm formation, and on the possibility of blocking these microbial communication systems as a potential approach to prevent and treat oral infectious diseases. Methods A detailed literature review of the current knowledge of QS in the oral cavity was performed, using the databases MEDLINE (through PubMed) and Web of Science. Results Accumulating direct and indirect evidence indicates an important role of QS molecules in the oral microbial ecosystem. Conclusions The mechanisms regulating gene expression through bacterial communication systems constitute a promising target to control oral biofilm formation. Although cell-to-cell communication is pivotal for biofilm formation of many pathogenic bacteria, knowledge concerning microbial interactions and signaling processes within multispecies biofilms in the oral cavity is still limited.

Automated summary

This study summarizes the role of bacterial extracellular signaling systems, namely quorum sensing (QS), in oral biofilm formation, and explores the potential of blocking these communication systems as a new approach to prevent and treat oral infectious diseases. Current evidence suggests that QS molecules play an important role in the oral microbial ecosystem. Targeting the mechanisms that regulate gene expression through bacterial communication systems shows promise in controlling oral biofilm formation. However, there is still limited knowledge about microbial interactions and signaling processes within multispecies biofilms in the oral cavity.