Targeting microbial quorum sensing: the next frontier to hinder bacterial driven gastrointestinal infections

Bacteria synchronize social behaviors via a cell-cell communication and interaction mechanism termed as quorum sensing (QS). QS has been extensively studied in monocultures and proved to be intensively involved in bacterial virulence and infection. Despite the role QS plays in pathogens during laboratory engineered infections has been proved, the potential functions of QS related to pathogenesis in context of microbial consortia remain poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the basic molecular mechanisms of QS, primarily focusing on pathogenic microbes driving gastrointestinal (GI) infections. We further discuss how GI pathogens disequilibrate the homeostasis of the indigenous microbial consortia, rebuild a realm dominated by pathogens, and interact with host under worsening infectious conditions via pathogen-biased QS signaling. Additionally, we present recent applications and main challenges of manipulating QS network in microbial consortia with the goal of better understanding GI bacterial sociality and facilitating novel therapies targeting bacterial infections.

Automated summary

Bacteria use a mechanism called quorum sensing (QS) to synchronize social behaviors through cell-cell communication and interaction. Although the role of QS in pathogens during laboratory engineered infections has been proven, the potential functions of QS related to pathogenesis in microbial consortia are still poorly understood. This review summarizes the basic molecular mechanisms of QS, specifically focusing on pathogenic microbes driving gastrointestinal (GI) infections. It discusses how GI pathogens disturb the homeostasis of the indigenous microbial consortia, dominate the realm, and interact with the host under worsening infectious conditions through pathogen-biased QS signaling. Additionally, it presents recent applications and main challenges of manipulating the QS network in microbial consortia for a better understanding of GI bacterial sociality and the development of novel therapies targeting bacterial infections.