Bacterial and fungal quorum sensing interactions with human cells; mechanisms and potential therapeutical...

Quorum sensing (QS) molecules produced by the microbiota serve as critical mediators in host-microbe communication, influencing both microbial behavior and host cellular responses. These signaling compounds-including acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), autoinducer-2 (AI-2), indoles, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-interact with intestinal epithelial cells and components of the immune system, regulating inflammation, barrier integrity, and immune modulation. Special emphasis is placed on the molecular mechanisms involving host enzymes, which together form a complex signaling network with QS molecules. Understanding this microbial-host cross-talk not only enhances our knowledge of gastrointestinal health and disease but also presents promising avenues for the development of QS-based therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory and metabolic disorders. The synthesis of quorum sensing regulatory factors by human cells is vital for maintaining microbial balance and reducing the risk of infection. This study examines the effects of pathogenic quorum-sensing molecules on immune responses, cancer progression, and neurological disorders. QS inhibitors could serve as alternatives to antibiotics for controlling antibiotic-resistant human pathogens. Knowledge of signaling molecules combined with genetic engineering, omics technologies, and machine learning approaches holds great promise for the future of disease prevention and treatment. Our comprehensive review elucidates the potential role of QS molecules in disease development and progression, providing insights to facilitate their widespread application. Considering the prevalence of microbial pathogenesis and its associated direct and indirect costs to individuals and society, comprehensive reviews like this are essential for broadening the scope of potential therapeutic strategies in future studies.