[HTML][HTML] Virulence inhibitors from Brazilian peppertree block quorum sensing and abate dermonecrosis in skin infection models

A Muhs, JT Lyles, CP Parlet, K Nelson… - Scientific reports, 2017 - nature.com
Scientific reports, 2017nature.com
Widespread antibiotic resistance is on the rise and current therapies are becoming
increasingly limited in both scope and efficacy. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) represents a major contributor to this trend. Quorum sensing controlled virulence
factors include secreted toxins responsible for extensive damage to host tissues and
evasion of the immune system response; they are major contributors to morbidity and
mortality. Investigation of botanical folk medicines for wounds and infections led us to study …
Abstract
Widespread antibiotic resistance is on the rise and current therapies are becoming increasingly limited in both scope and efficacy. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a major contributor to this trend. Quorum sensing controlled virulence factors include secreted toxins responsible for extensive damage to host tissues and evasion of the immune system response; they are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. Investigation of botanical folk medicines for wounds and infections led us to study Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian Peppertree) as a potential source of virulence inhibitors. Here, we report the inhibitory activity of a flavone rich extract “430D-F5” against all S. aureus accessory gene regulator (agr) alleles in the absence of growth inhibition. Evidence for this activity is supported by its agr-quenching activity (IC50 2–32 μg mL−1) in transcriptional reporters, direct protein outputs (α-hemolysin and δ-toxin), and an in vivo skin challenge model. Importantly, 430D-F5 was well tolerated by human keratinocytes in cell culture and mouse skin in vivo; it also demonstrated significant reduction in dermonecrosis following skin challenge with a virulent strain of MRSA. This study provides an explanation for the anti-infective activity of peppertree remedies and yields insight into the potential utility of non-biocide virulence inhibitors in treating skin infections.
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