Quorum sensing is a type of cell-to-cell communication mechanism used by bacteria and other microorganisms to coordinate their behavior and activities.
It involves the production and detection of signaling molecules called autoinducers,
Which allow for the regulation of gene expression, allow bacteria to sense the density of the population, and enable bacteria to coordinate collective activities such as biofilm formation, virulence, and antibiotic resistance.
QS applies to communication between various taxa and kingdoms and is not just restricted to communication between bacteria.
There are three major quorum sensing systems
1. LuxI/LuxR system
Several Gram-negative bacteria use this strategy, which involves the LuxI protein producing an autoinducer molecule and the LuxR protein adhering to the autoinducer to control gene expression.
2. AI-2 system
This mechanism, which is based on the autoinducer molecule AI-2, is used by both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. By exchanging signals via the generation and detection of AI-2, it enables bacterial communication and behavior coordination.
3. Synthetases-Regulators (Syn-Reg) system
This system enables bacteria to react to signals from other bacteria as well as signals generated by the same bacterium. It includes the production and sensing of autoinducer molecules by protein complexes.
Quorum Sensing used in Drug Developments.
Drug development is achieve through several methods in quorum sensing.
- Inhibition of quorum sensing known as quorum quenching via inhibition of autoinducer synthesis, autoinducer receptor antagonism, degradation of autoinducers using either enzymes or catalytic antibodies, and inhibition of secretion of autoinducers.
- Quorum sensing manipulation alter bacterial activity in ways that are helpful for preventing infections. For instance, it could be able to encourage the development of anti-inflammatory substances or change how biofilms form.
Quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) can be achieved through several methods
- Inhibition of autoinducer synthesis.
- Autoinducer receptor antagonism.
- Degradation of autoinducers using either enzymes or catalytic antibodies,
- Inhibition of secretion of autoinducers.
- antibodies are covered and therefore block autoinducer receptors