Repurposing MK-8245 as a Quorum Sensing Inhibitor to Suppress Virulence and Potentiate Antibiotic Activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Background/

Objectives

The rise in multidrug-resistant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), coupled with declining antibiotic development, underscores the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Repurposing approved drugs provides advantages of safety and rapid development. Since quorum sensing (QS) controls key virulence traits in PA, targeting this pathway represents a promising antivirulence approach. This study aimed to identify and repurpose existing drugs as QS inhibitors.

Methods

An in silico docking screen of 3000 FDA-approved or clinically tested compounds was performed against the C4-HSL receptor RhlR. Seventeen candidates were tested in the laboratory strain PAO1 for lactone-dependent signaling inhibition. The most active compound, MK-8245, was further evaluated for effects on growth, cytotoxicity, lactone release, biofilm formation, pyocyanin, elastase, rhamnolipids, and swarming motility. Its activity was also assessed in 20 clinical PA isolates.

Results

MK-8245 (40 µM) reduced QS-regulated gene expression by ~60% without affecting viability. In PAO1, it inhibited rhamnolipids (60%), pyocyanin (40%), elastase (25%), biofilm formation, and swarming motility (25%). MK-8245 also enhanced the efficacy of imipenem against biofilms. In clinical isolates, it consistently decreased lactone release (~60%), pyocyanin (~50%), rhamnolipids (~40%), biofilm formation (~30%), and swarming motility (~25%).

Conclusions

MK-8245 emerges as a promising antivirulence candidate against P. aeruginosa. By disrupting QS signaling and impairing multiple virulence factors, it attenuates pathogenicity without bactericidal pressure. Its synergy with standard antibiotics and consistent activity in clinical isolates highlight its translational potential and warrant further preclinical evaluation.