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Published on: May 23, 2020
Bacterial quorum-sensing systems in cell-cell communication
Kai-Zhong Xu1,2, Annadurai Vinothkanna2, DanDan Wang2
1College of Food Engineering, Zhangzhou Institute of Technology, Zhangzhou363000, China.
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Quorum sensing (QS) is crucial for bacterial communication, influencing virulence and drug resistance. Understanding QS signaling molecules and regulatory networks can guide the development of novel antimicrobial agents to combat multi-drug-resistant pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multi-drug-resistant pathogens demand innovative therapeutic strategies.
- Quorum sensing (QS) is a key bacterial cell-cell communication system regulating various social behaviors, including virulence and biofilm formation.
- Existing research highlights QS signaling molecules and regulatory pathways but lacks a comprehensive overview.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review bacterial QS-based communication and its role in antimicrobial resistance.
- To provide an updated overview of novel QS systems in pathogenicity, poly-microbial interactions, and AMR.
- To explore future applications of QS systems in designing novel antimicrobial agents.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of QS systems, signaling molecules, and regulatory mechanisms.
- Systematic summarization of studies on QS-mediated bacterial behaviors and drug resistance.
- Analysis of current trends and future prospects in QS-based antimicrobial drug discovery.
Main Results:
- QS plays a significant role in bacterial virulence, biofilm formation, and the development of drug resistance.
- Multiple QS systems and diverse signaling molecules have been identified, though not comprehensively reviewed.
- Novel QS systems are implicated in pathogenicity, inter-species interactions, and AMR patterns.
Conclusions:
- A thorough understanding of QS complexity and regulatory mechanisms is essential for developing new anti-AMR strategies.
- Repurposing QS systems and signaling molecules offers promising avenues for novel antimicrobial agent design.
- Future research should focus on cloud-based approaches for analyzing QS data to accelerate drug discovery.
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