Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Quantifying the Cytotoxicity of Staphylococcus aureus Against Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Published on: January 3, 2020
Natural Products That Target Virulence Factors in Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Shuai-Cheng Wu1,2, Fei Liu1, Kui Zhu1
1Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road , Beijing 100193 , People's Republic of China.
Natural products from plants and microbes offer a promising antivirulence strategy against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections. These compounds target S. aureus virulence factors, aiding existing antibiotics and combating drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections demands novel therapeutic approaches.
- Antivirulence strategies present a low-resistance selective pressure alternative to traditional antibiotics.
- Plants and microorganisms are rich sources of natural products with antibacterial potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of major S. aureus virulence factors.
- To provide an overview of natural products targeting S. aureus virulence.
- To discuss the potential of natural products as adjuvant therapy against antibiotic-resistant S. aureus.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of S. aureus virulence mechanisms (agr quorum-sensing, biofilm, alpha-hemolysin, sortase A, staphyloxanthin).
- Survey of natural products from plants and microorganisms with anti-virulence activity.
- Analysis of adjuvant effects of natural products with existing antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Identified key virulence factors of S. aureus and their roles in infection.
- Cataloged various plant and microbial natural products demonstrating activity against S. aureus virulence.
- Highlighted the synergistic effects of these natural products with conventional antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Natural products offer a viable antivirulence approach to combat antibiotic-resistant S. aureus.
- These compounds can enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics.
- Further research into limitations and solutions is crucial for developing new antibacterial drugs.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Biological Methods for Microbial Control
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Development of Antibiotic Resistance

