# A Small Molecule That Inhibits the Quorum Sensing Receptor AgrC in Staphylococcus aureus

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a small molecule, CP-20, that effectively inhibits a key receptor in Staphylococcus aureus, which could help reduce its virulence.

## Contribution

The discovery of a synthetically tractable small molecule that completely inhibits quorum sensing in Staphylococcus aureus.

## Key findings

- CP-20 derivative inhibits quorum sensing with mid-nanomolar potency.
- CP-20 binds AgrC and competitively inhibits its activity in vitro.
- CP-20 is a versatile probe for studying Staphylococcal virulence.

## Abstract

We report the synthesis
and characterization of a small molecule,
CP-20, capable of inhibiting the key quorum sensing receptor AgrC
in Staphylococcus aureus. Structural
alterations enabled the discovery of a CP-20 derivative that is capable
of complete quorum sensing inhibition with mid-nanomolar potency. In vitro biochemical investigations support CP-20 binding
AgrC and competitively inhibiting its activity. CP-20 represents a
versatile and synthetically tractable small molecule probe for investigating
Staphylococcal virulence via quorum sensing modulation.