METHODS FOR PREVENTING OR TREATING DISEASE MEDIATEB BY TOXIN-SECRETING BACTERIA

摘要

Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and treating disease mediated by toxin-secreting bacteria. Inventive methods and compositions are suited to preventing or treating infections caused by bacterial toxins that enter host cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis (e.g., the anthrax and diphtheria toxins). Methods comprise a step of administering to an individual a pharmaceutical composition that includes an effective amount of an inhibitor of endosomal acidification. The inhibitor may be a primary amine, a carboxylic ionophore, or a selective inhibitor of the vacuolar proton pump (V-ATPase). The inhibitors of endosomal acidification may be employed in combination with other therapeutics such as antibiotics and antitoxins in order to prevent, treat or cure the disease.