Anthranilate Reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection Severity Through an Antibiotic-Independent Anti-Virulence Mechanism.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health challenge, especially with tricky bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Anthranilate, previously identified as a signaling molecule in P. aeruginosa, modulates various pathogenicity-related phenotypes by reducing virulence factor production, inhibiting biofilm formation, and increasing antibiotic susceptibility. Based on these good properties as an anti-virulence agent, this study evaluated the actual therapeutic potential of anthranilate using mouse skin infection and lung infection models. Specifically, the efficacy of anthranilate in a standalone treatment was investigated without reliance on conventional antibiotics.

METHODS

The therapeutic efficacy of anthranilate was evaluated in murine skin and lung infection models of P. aeruginosa. Anthranilate was administered as a standalone treatment, and its effects on bacterial burden, inflammatory responses, and tissue lesion progression were assessed and compared with those of gentamicin treatment.

RESULTS

Anthranilate effectively reduced bacterial suppuration, mitigated inflammatory responses, and suppressed lesion progression in infected skin and lung tissues. Notably, anthranilate alone produced therapeutic effects comparable to those of gentamicin.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight its potential of standalone treatment as an alternative to traditional antibiotics and offer a novel anti-virulence strategy that minimizes selective pressure for resistance development.