Quorum sensing-activated phenylalanine metabolism drives OMV biogenesis to enhance mosquito commensal colonization resistance to Plasmodium

Abstract

Gut microbiota and its symbiotic relationship with the host are crucial for preventing pathogen infection. However, little is known about the mechanisms that drive commensal colonization. Serratia bacteria, commonly found in Anopheles mosquitoes, potentially mediate mosquito resistance to Plasmodium. Using S. ureilytica Su_YN1 as a model, we show that a quorum sensing (QS) circuit is crucial for stable colonization. After blood ingestion, the QS synthase SueI generates the signaling molecule N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL). Once C6-HSL binds to the QS receptor SueR, repression of the phenylalanine-to-acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) conversion pathway is lifted. This pathway regulates outer membrane vesicle (OMV) biogenesis and promotes Serratia biofilm-like aggregate formation, facilitating gut adaptation and colonization. Notably, exposing Serratia Su_YN1-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes to C6-HSL increases Serratia gut colonization and enhances Plasmodium transmission-blocking efficacy. These findings provide insights into OMV biogenesis and commensal gut colonization and identify a powerful strategy for enhancing commensal resistance to pathogens.

Keywords: C6-HSL; N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone; Plasmodium; QS; acetyl-CoA; biofilm-like aggregation; gut colonization; mosquito; outer membrane vesicles; phenylalanine.