METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

摘要

The peptidoglycan layer is a vital component of the bacterial cell wall, which comprises 4→3 and 3→3 transpeptide cross-linkages, the formation of which are catalyzed by D,D- and L,D-transpeptidases, respectively. Methods for the treatment of bacterial infections with agents that inhibit L,D-transpeptidases, either alone or in combination with D,D-transpeptidase inhibitors, are provided herein. Also provided are methods for the treatment of chronic stage tuberculosis with agents that inhibit enzyme with L,D-transpeptidase activity.

主权项

1. A method of identifying an agent that inhibits L, D-transpeptidase enzyme activity in mycobacteria comprising:
contacting mycobacterial cells with a test agent; and detecting L, D-transpeptidase activity in the cells contacted with the agent as compared to L, D-transpeptidase activity in cells not contacted with the agent, wherein a decrease in L, D-transpeptidase activity in cells contacted with the agent is indicative of an agent that inhibits L, D-transpeptidase activity.