The VicRK Two-Component System Regulates Streptococcus mutans Virulence

Streptococcus mutans is considered the predominant etiological agent of dental caries with the ability to form biofilm on the tooth surface. And, its abilities to obtain nutrients and metabolize fermentable dietary carbohydrates to produce acids contribute to its pathogenicity. The responses of S. mutans to environmental stresses are essential for its survival and role in cariogenesis. The VicRK system is one of the 13 putative TCS of S. mutans. The conserved functions of the VicRK signal transduction system is the key regulator of bacterial oxidative stress responses, acidification, cell wall metabolism, and biofilm formation. In this paper, it was discussed how the VicRK system regulates S. mutans virulence including bacterial physiological function, operon structure, signal transduction, and even post-transcriptional control in its regulon. Thus, this emerging subspecialty of the VicRK regulatory networks in S. mutans may strengthen our understandings aimed at providing a basis for the prevention of dental caries.