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uncomplicated repetition of cellular replication. But in the last three decades this concept has been challenged as bacteria were Communication among bacteria is achieved by the release of chemical signals called autoinducers. These autoinducers allow discovery, many pathogens have been shown to utilize QS to In Focus Quorum sensing inhibitors The global rise of anti-microbial resistance, combined with the rapid rate of microbial evolution, and the slower development of novel antibiotics, underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutics. We are facing a post-antibiotic era with a decreased armamentarium to combat infectious diseases. Development of novel drugs will rely on basic research aimed to increase our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and the inter-cellular chemical signalling among bacterial cells. Such basic science, when combined with contemporary drug discovery technologies, may be translated into therapeutic applications to combat bacterial infections. In this sig nd/or the development of microbial communities (known as biofilms), which are refractory to antibiotic treatment. QS antagonists should be viewed as blockers of pathogen-rowth, inhibition of QS should not yield a strong selective pressure for development f resistance. QS inhibitors (QSIs) hold great expectations and we look forward toDepartment of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.of forming communities whose members interact with each other. This interaction can be intra- and/or inter-species or inter-kingdoms. Although most of these interactions probably evolved to allow co-existence of a bacterium and its host, pathogens seem to have ‘hijacked ’ these communication systems to control their virulence traits. termed QS, was first observed in Vibrio fischeri, a biolumines-cent bacterium that lives in the photophore, the light producing organ of the bobtail squid with which it has a symbioti