Advances in antivirulence natural products targeting the suilysin of Streptococcus suis

Abstract Streptococcus suis ( S. suis ) is an important zoonotic pathogen that can cause sepsis, meningitis and toxic shock syndrome and is a serious threat to public health. Conventional antibiotic therapy is facing an increasing problem of drug resistance, and antivirulence strategies targeting virulence factors provide a new direction for infection prevention and control. Natural products provide potential lead compounds for the development of novel antibacterial drugs. Suilysin (SLY), a key virulence factor, plays a key role in pathogenesis by disrupting host cell membranes, inducing excessive inflammatory responses and promoting blood‒brain barrier penetration. In this paper, we systematically review the progress of research on antivirulence natural products that target SLY, including flavonoids, bioflavonoids, flavonols, flavonolignans, isoflavonoids and alkaloids. These natural products can directly target SLY; combine antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; and are less likely to induce drug resistance. This review provides data support and references for the development of novel natural antimicrobial drugs and anti-infection strategies.