Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Anti-virulent Disruption of Pathogenic Biofilms using Engineered Quorum-quenching Lactonases
Published on: January 1, 2016
Quorum Quenching: A Potential Target for Antipseudomonal Therapy
Fatemeh Hemmati1,2, Roya Salehi3, Reza Ghotaslou4
1Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
There has been excessive rate of use of antibiotics to fight Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections worldwide, which has consequently caused the increased resistance to multiple antibiotics in this pathogen. Due to the widespread resistance and the current poor effect of antibiotics consumed to treat P. aeruginosa infections, finding some novel alternative therapeutic methods are necessary for the treatment of infections. The P. aeruginosa biofilms can cause severe infections leading to the increased antibiotic resistance and mortality rate among the patients. In this regard, there are no approaches that can efficiently manage these infections; therefore, novel and effective antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents are needed to control and treat these bacterial infections. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) or quorum quenchings (QQs) are now considered as potential therapeutic alternatives and/or adjuvants to the current failing antibiotics, which can control the virulence traits of the pathogens, so as a result, the host immune system can quickly eliminate bacteria. Thus, the aims of this review article were presenting a brief explanation of the research reports on the natural and synthetic QSIs of P. aeruginosa, and the assessment of the current understanding on the QS mechanisms and various QQ strategies in P. aeruginosa.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa necessitates new treatments. Quorum sensing inhibitors offer a promising alternative to combat these persistent infections and reduce mortality.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Increasing antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) poses a global health threat.
- P. aeruginosa biofilms contribute to severe infections, elevated antibiotic resistance, and higher mortality rates.
- Current antibiotic treatments are often ineffective against P. aeruginosa infections, especially those involving biofilms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural and synthetic quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) targeting P. aeruginosa.
- To assess current understanding of quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms in P. aeruginosa.
- To evaluate various quorum quenching (QQ) strategies for controlling P. aeruginosa virulence.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of research on QSIs and QQ strategies for P. aeruginosa.
- Analysis of studies detailing QS mechanisms and their inhibition.
- Assessment of the efficacy of different natural and synthetic QSIs and QQ approaches.
Main Results:
- Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) and quorum quenching (QQ) are identified as potential therapeutic alternatives or adjuncts.
- QSIs can modulate P. aeruginosa virulence factors, aiding host immune clearance.
- A range of natural and synthetic QSIs have been reported, showing promise in preclinical studies.
Conclusions:
- QSIs and QQ strategies represent a novel approach to combatting P. aeruginosa infections.
- These agents can overcome antibiotic resistance by targeting virulence rather than bacterial viability.
- Further research into QSIs and QQ is crucial for developing effective treatments against difficult-to-treat P. aeruginosa infections.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...
Bacterial Signaling
Antimicrobial Effectiveness

