Research Progress on the Quorum Sensing System of Acinetobacter baumannii and Its Inhibitors

The escalating problem of bacterial drug resistance poses a severe threat to global public health, with Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) exhibiting particularly high resistance rates that are closely linked to its Quorum Sensing (QS) system. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the A. baumannii QS system, focusing on its essential role in mediating antimicrobial resistance, as well as the latest progress in developing QS inhibitors. Key findings indicate that the A. baumannii QS system enhances bacterial survival by promoting biofilm formation, and regulating the expression of efflux pump and resistance genes. However, significant translational challenges remain, including the risk of inducing resistance, the poor bioavailability and suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties, and their reduced efficacy in complex biological systems. In conclusion, while QS inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic target, overcoming current developmental bottlenecks requires combining them with traditional antibiotics, exploring novel drug delivery strategies, and integrating cutting-edge tools to accelerate drug discovery and clinical application.