Peptide-Based Quorum Sensing Controlling Virulence in Bacillus Anthracis

Public Health Relevance: Existence of a peptide-based quorum sensing system and its relevance for virulence have not been demonstrated in Bacillus anthracis. Achieving the goals in the proposed research will define the genetic components of a novel quorum sensing system and establish how this regulatory system controls virulence gene expression in B. anthracis. Results from this project will advance our knowledge about B. anthracis pathophysiology and help develop better anti-anthrax strategies.