Flavone inhibits Staphylococcus aureus virulence via inhibiting SaeRS TCS

A rise in Staphylococcus aureus antibiotic resistance has necessitated the development of new antimicrobial drugs with novel targets. S. aureus produces numerous virulence factors that compromise the host's vital defense mechanisms. Flavone, the parent compound of flavonoids, is known to reduce the production of staphyloxanthin and alpha-hemolysin. However, neither the compound's impact on the vast majority of other virulence factors in S. aureus nor the molecular mechanism behind its activity are understood. The present study examined the effect of flavone on the transcription of S. aureus by sequencing its transcriptome. We discovered that flavone significantly downregulated over 30 virulence factors that help the pathogen evade host immune clearance.