Direct interactions with commensal streptococci modify intercellular communication behaviors of Streptococcus mutans.

ABSTRACT: The formation of dental caries is a complex process that ultimately leads to damage of the tooth enamel from acids produced by microbes in attached biofilms. The bacterial interactions occurring within these biofilms between cariogenic bacteria, such as the mutans streptococci, and health-associated commensal streptococci, are thought to be critical determinants of health and disease. To better understand these interactions, a Streptococcus mutans reporter strain that actively monitors cell-cell communication via peptide signaling was cocultured with different commensal streptococci. Signaling by S. mutans, normally highly active in monoculture, was completely inhibited by several species of commensals, but only when the bacteria were in direct contact with S. mutans. We identified a novel

SUBMITTER: Kaspar JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8027600 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature