tRNA BINDING-DEPENDENT INHIBITION OF MICROBIAL PATHOGEN GROWTH

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of specifically inhibiting growth of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses, and to compositions useful in the present method. According to the method, specific tRNA-dependent inhibition of the growth of microbial pathogens can be achieved through use of tRNA binding molecules. For example, a tRNA binding molecule, such as a mutant aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, which is capable of binding tRNA, but incapable of aminoacylation, can be selectively toxic to a selected microbial pathogen, leading to inhibition of (i.e., a reduction in or arrest of) growth of the pathogen, while sparing the host cell.