Quorum sensing systems as a new target to prevent biofilm-related oral diseases

Abstract

Objective: The present study summarizes the current knowledge on the role of bacterial extracellular signaling systems, known as quorum sensing (QS), in oral biofilm formation, and on the possibility of blocking these microbial communication systems as a potential approach to prevent and treat oral infectious diseases.

Methods: A detailed literature review of the current knowledge of QS in the oral cavity was performed, using the databases MEDLINE (through PubMed) and Web of Science.

Results: Accumulating direct and indirect evidence indicates an important role of QS molecules in the oral microbial ecosystem.

Conclusions: The mechanisms regulating gene expression through bacterial communication systems constitute a promising target to control oral biofilm formation. Although cell-to-cell communication is pivotal for biofilm formation of many pathogenic bacteria, knowledge concerning microbial interactions and signaling processes within multispecies biofilms in the oral cavity is still limited.

Keywords: Porphyromonas; biofilms; dental caries; periodontal disease; quorum quenching; quorum sensing.