Targeting Virulence in Staphylococcus aureus by Chemical Inhibition of the Accessory Gene Regulator System In Vivo

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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
10:39

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: March 10, 2017

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Akram M Salam1, Cassandra L Quave2,3,4

  • 1Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Msphere
|January 24, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Quorum quenchers (QQ) show promise in combating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Studies demonstrate QQ efficacy in vivo, attenuating virulence and showing synergy with antibiotics, advancing antivirulence strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
  • Drug Discovery and Development
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a high-priority global health threat, exacerbated by rising antibiotic resistance.
  • Antivirulence strategies, targeting bacterial pathogenicity rather than viability, offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
  • Quorum sensing (QS) is a key regulator of MRSA virulence, making its inhibitors, quorum quenchers (QQ), potential therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize the existing literature on the in vivo efficacy of quorum quenchers (QQ) against MRSA infection models.
  • To assess the progress and potential of QQ agents as a therapeutic strategy for MRSA infections.
  • To provide background on in vitro data supporting the discussed QQ agents.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating quorum quenchers (QQ) in MRSA infection models.
  • Inclusion of in vitro data to support the efficacy of selected QQ agents.
  • Analysis of studies employing prophylactic, curative, and combination treatment models.

Main Results:

  • Several QQ agents have demonstrated significant efficacy in attenuating MRSA virulence and pathogenicity in vivo.
  • Some QQ treatments exhibit synergistic effects when combined with conventional antibiotics, including antibiotic resensitization.
  • A limited number of QQ studies have progressed to in vivo models, indicating an early stage of development.

Conclusions:

  • The in vivo efficacy of reviewed QQ agents against MRSA represents significant progress in developing novel antivirulence therapies.
  • QQ agents hold promise for combating MRSA infections, potentially overcoming existing antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
  • Further rigorous in vitro and in vivo studies are essential for lead optimization and advancing QQ agents towards clinical application.
Keywords:
Staphylococcus aureusantimicrobial activityantimicrobial agentsquorum sensingvirulence

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