Is RORγ a therapeutic target for treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections?

Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2012 Jan;92(1):95-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tube.2011.11.009. Epub 2011 Dec 19.

Abstract

A link is hypothesized between inhibition of the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) and treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. An unexpected overlap was found between inhibitors of both Mtb H37Rv with RORγ in PubChem. Since RORγ is not present in Mtb, a commonality was reasoned to be cholesterol. Gemfibrozil is a RORγ inhibitor that was inactive against Mtb cells. Yet, gemfibrozil has been shown to inhibit Mtb growth in macrophages, supporting the hypothesis that RORγ inhibitors could show therapeutic benefit in Mtb infection.(7).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Gemfibrozil / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / drug effects*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / drug effects*
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor gamma
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid
  • Gemfibrozil