The Role of luxS in the Middle Ear Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolate 947

The LuxS protein, encoded by , is required for the production of autoinducer 2 (AI-2) in . The AI-2 molecule serves as a quorum sensing signal, and thus regulates cellular processes such as carbohydrate utilisation and biofilm formation, as well as impacting virulence. The role of in biology and lifestyle has been predominantly assessed in the laboratory strain D39. However, as biofilm formation, which is regulated by , is critical for the ability of to cause otitis media, we investigated the role of in a middle ear isolate, strain 947. Our results identified to have a role in prevention of transition from colonisation of the nasopharynx to the ear, and in facilitating adherence to host epithelial cells.