Pseudomonas aeruginosa -Eukaryotic Cell Crosstalk: Mediators, Mechanisms and Implications for the Antimicrobial Therapy

Bacteria commonly communicate with each other by a cell-to-cell signaling mechanism known as quorum sensing, using soluble mediators. Recent studies showed that these molecules target not only bacteria, but also interact with the eukaryotic host. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection occurs both in acute or chronic states in a variety of respiratory and urinary infections. These infections are often difficult to treat, and numerous therapeutic options, besides antibiotics, have been searched. In this context quorum-sensing inhibitors could represent an attractive potential therapeutic strategy with promising results.