Bacteria communicate with each other using the quorum sensing (QS) system which allows collectively control its population density and the production of biofilms and virulence factors. These factors help bacteria collectively adhere, swarm, colonize and destroy host cells and tissues which may result in a more severe outcome of infections and inflammations and development of disease.
QS molecules, like N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHL) and 2-alkyl-4-quinolones (PQS) can either diffuse freely across plasma membrane, or together with bacterial toxins, are packed into outer membrane vesicles that bacteria deliver to the environment. In this way, QS has a role in communication and completion in microbial communities and with host cells.
We aim to study how bacteria can communicate with each other and with human cells using the language of QS, addressing a new aspects in inflammatory and infectious diseases. Our studies can hopefully help us elucidate new avenue in prevention of infection and inflammation. The project comprises fundamental in vitro and in vivo studies at the cellular and molecular levels and clinical studies on inflammatory diseases