Autoinducer-2-binding periplasmic protein LsrB (LsrB) (LsrB)

Autoinducer-2-binding periplasmic protein LsrB (LsrB) is a critical component of the quorum-sensing apparatus in various Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica (UniProt P0AEU3). It functions as the primary periplasmic receptor for autoinducer-2 (AI-2), a signaling molecule often termed the universal language for interspecies bacterial communication (Xavier & Bassler, 2005). LsrB specifically binds the (2R,4S)-2-methyl-2,3,3,4-tetrahydroxytetrahydrofuran (R-THMF) form of AI-2 and facilitates its transport into the cytoplasm via the Lsr ABC transporter system (Miller et al., 2004). Once internalized, AI-2 is processed to regulate gene expression related to biofilm formation, virulence, and metabolic adaptation, making LsrB a focal point for bacterial group behavior (Ha et al., 2013). As a therapeutic target, LsrB is being explored for the development of anti-virulence agents that aim to disrupt bacterial coordination without killing the cells, thereby minimizing the selective pressure for antibiotic resistance (Galloway et al., 2011). Research into LsrB inhibitors, such as AI-2 analogs and small-molecule antagonists, seeks to deafen pathogens and attenuate their ability to cause disease (Ryu et al., 2016).

Other names

LuxS-regulated protein BAI-2-binding proteinAutoinducer-2-binding proteinPeriplasmic autoinducer-2 receptor

Competitive inhibition of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) binding to the periplasmic receptor, preventing the internalization of the signaling molecule and subsequent activation of quorum sensing-regulated virulence genes (Ryu et al., 2016).