Multiple virulence factor regulator (PqsR) (PqsR)

PqsR, also known as MvfR (Multiple Virulence Factor Regulator), is a LysR-type transcriptional regulator (LTTR) essential for the quorum sensing (QS) network in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (UniProt P0C5I0). It is activated by the binding of specific signaling molecules, primarily 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) and the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), which triggers the expression of the pqsABCDE operon (PMID: 23835351). This activation leads to a positive feedback loop and the production of a wide array of virulence factors, including pyocyanin, elastase, and hydrogen cyanide, which are critical for host tissue damage and immune evasion (PMID: 25133348). Additionally, PqsR plays a significant role in the regulation of biofilm formation and bacterial persistence during chronic infections, such as those found in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. As a therapeutic target, PqsR is highly attractive for the development of anti-virulence agents or pathoblockers that aim to disarm the pathogen without killing it, potentially reducing the selective pressure for antibiotic resistance (PMID: 30643194). Experimental inhibitors targeting the PqsR ligand-binding domain have demonstrated the ability to attenuate infection and increase the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to conventional antibiotics in preclinical models.

Other names

MvfRPseudomonas quinolone signal receptorLysR-type transcriptional regulator PqsRMultiple LysR-type transcriptional regulator PqsR

Competitive antagonism of the ligand-binding domain to prevent the transcription of the pqsABCDE operon, thereby inhibiting the production of alkylquinolone signaling molecules and downstream virulence factors.