Stevioside curbs Streptococcus pneumoniae infection via inhibiting capsule biosynthesis.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) remains a predominant cause of high morbidity and mortality in childhood and the elderly, despite the widespread pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) vaccination through the world. The critical role of capsule in the pathogenicity of S. pneumoniae makes it an attractive drug target for alternative strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant and non-vaccine serotype infections. Here, we identified the natural compound molecule stevioside as an effective capsule inhibitor that reduces the biosynthesis of capsular polysaccharide through interfering with pyruvate metabolism and subsequent disruption of bacterial NAD + /NADH redox balance and energy generation. In vitro, the compound significantly sensitized streptococci to stress attacks and the killing

SUBMITTER: Gu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12789141 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature