The BceABRS four-component system that is essential for cell envelope stress response is involved in sensing and response to host defence peptides and is required for the biofilm formation and fitness of Streptococcus mutans

摘要

Purpose. Streptococcus mutans is a primary cariogenic pathogen worldwide. In dental biofilms, S. mutans often faces lifethreatening insults, such as killing by antimicrobial compounds from competing species and from the host. How such insults affect the physiology and virulence of S. mutans is poorly understood. In this study, we explored this question by investigating the responses of S. mutans strains to several host defence peptides and bacitracin.