0
0
A groundbreaking collaboration among researchers in Germany and France has led to the discovery of novel antibiotic compounds targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rendering it less harmful to humans. This pioneering breakthrough not only offers potential remedies for existing drug-resistant strains but also sheds light on re-treatment possibilities using prevalent tuberculosis therapies.
Published in Cell Chemical Biology under the title ‘Discovery of dual-active ethionamide boosters blocking the Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESX-1 secretion pathway,’ this significant finding signifies a crucial stride in combating tuberculosis (TB), a disease that predominantly affects the lungs but can affect other organs as well.
TB remains a global health threat despite being relatively rare in many Western nations. In 2022, only Covid-19 surpassed TB in its fatality toll, with the disease claiming nearly double the lives of HIV/AIDS, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Over 10 million people contract TB annually, primarily due to inadequate access to medical care in various regions.
The rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, notably in parts of Europe and Asia, poses a significant challenge in combating the disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has limited targets for traditional antibiotics, intensifying the challenge of discovering new antibiotic substances.
Collaborating with experts from the Institute Pasteur in Lille, France, and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), researchers from the University Hospital Cologne uncovered an alternative treatment avenue. By employing advanced host-cell-based high-throughput techniques, they screened around 10,000 molecules to identify a select few with promising antibacterial properties, meticulously scrutinized in subsequent studies.
The team discovered virulence blockers with a unique mode of action, distinct from traditional antibiotics. According to Jan Rybniker, leading the Translational Research Unit for Infectious Diseases at the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), these compounds exert lesser selective pressure on the bacterium, potentially reducing the development of resistance.
Furthermore, the research revealed that some identified substances are dual-active molecules. These compounds not only inhibit the pathogen’s virulence factors but also enhance the activity of enzymes necessary for the conventional antibiotic ethionamide. This discovery opens avenues for augmenting the effectiveness of existing TB drugs.
While offering promising avenues for TB treatment development, researchers emphasize the long path ahead before these findings can be translated into practical applications for human use, necessitating extensive laboratory adjustments.
The newfound antibiotic compounds present a compelling foundation for innovative TB treatments, showcasing the remarkable diversity of pharmacologically active substances. Despite the promising potential, significant laboratory refinements and clinical evaluations lie ahead before these discoveries can transform into practical solutions for combating tuberculosis.
