Chen Feifei

Small molecules targeting Staphylococcus aureus virulence

Staphylococcus aureus causes a variety of infections in humans, ranging from minor skin and wound infections to life-threatening diseases. The increasing prevalence of bacterial strains involving so-called superbugs such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) demands the discovery of new drugs. Targeting bacterial virulence rather than bacterial growth represents a new paradigm to antimicrobial therapy that offers promising opportunities to prevent and treat infectious diseases. Here, we review recent research progress in the identification of attractive targets for new anti-virulence drugs against Staphylococcus aureus and small molecules that block Staphylococcus aureus virulence.