Abstract

Cell-to-cell signaling is vital not only for communication among superior multicellular organisms, but also among bacteria and for host-pathogen interactions during infections.Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen involved in a wide spectrum of acute and chronic infections, also causing severe nosocomial complications. Among its multiple virulence determinants, the quorum sensing (QS) signaling system is used to control and coordinate the production of other virulence factors required for colonizing and persistence in different environmental conditions, but also for interfering with the host core signaling pathways. Here we review the host response mechanisms inP. aeruginosa infections, focusing on the effect of QS molecules on immune response and host cell apoptosis modulation pathways. Deciphering the chemical language that this bacterium uses during the infectious process could open new perspectives for the development of intelligent anti-microbial strategies based on communication control of this highly versatile and resistant opportunistic pathogen.

Key words: Apoptosis, immune response, alkyl quinolone, acyl-homoserinlactone.