New York University

University of Connecticut

Marcus B Jones

Martin J Blaser

Thomas Wood

Dacheng Ren

The present invention pertains to the discovery thatpossesses a luxS gene that encodes a functional LuxS polypeptide, and thatsynthesizes a functional AI-2 quorum-sensing molecule. The invention provides mutantbacteria lacking the function of the luxS gene, which do not produce a functional AI-2 molecule and have growth defects compared to wild-type. The invention also concerns methods for inhibiting the growth of, or for preventing or treatinginfection, by inhibiting the activity of theLuxS polypeptide, or by exposure of theto furanone. In particular, the invention concerns the use of furanone, a compound that inhibits AI-2-mediated quorum-sensing, to inhibit the growth of, to inhibittoxin production, particularly that of protective antigen, and to prevent or treatinfection. The invention also provides methods to preventinfection, or enhance an immune response toinfection, by administering a vaccine comprising acell in which the luxS gene is mutated.

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Rockville, MD, United States of America

Marcus B Jones