[摘要]变异链球菌是人类龋病的主要病原菌，它通过蔗糖依赖性黏附形成生物膜并在其中产酸耐酸，最终导致龋病。VicRK是变异链球菌13种双组分信号传导系统之一，可调节变异链球菌致龋性毒力相关因子的表达。本文就VicRK的作用机制、结构组成、生理特性，及其对变异链球菌致龋性的影响，VicRK和VicX间的关系等研究进展作一综述。

    [关键词]变异链球菌；双组分信号传导系统；基因表达；VicRK

    [中图分类号]R 780.2[文献标志码]A[doi]10.3969/j.issn.1673-5749.2012.01.025

    VicRK two-component signal transduction system of Streptococcus mutansTian Yuanyuan, Hu Tao.(State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

    [Abstract]Streptococcus mutans(S.mutans), which is considered as the chief pathogen of human caries, possesses the ability to form biofilm via sucrose-dependent adhesion, genesis and endure acids in the biofilm that may ultimately lead to dental caries. VicRK is one of the 13 putative two-component signal transduction systems of S.mutans that modulate the expression of cariogeneisis related virulence factors. This review summarized the mechanism, structural organization, physiological characteristics and the impact on the cariogenesis capabilities of VicRK，as well as the correlation between VicRK and VicX in S.mutans.

    [Key words]Streptococcus mutans；two-component signal transduction system；gene expression；VicRK ......