Inhibitors of mycobacterial efflux pumps as potential boosters for anti-tubercular drugs

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2012 Sep;10(9):983-98. doi: 10.1586/eri.12.89.

Abstract

Tuberculosis is one of the major causes of infection across the world. The emergence of multi-, extensively- and totally drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis contributes to the lack of therapeutic options available. The mechanisms associated with this resistance could involve mutations in genes coding for target proteins, decreased permeability, increased efflux and so on. Resistance mediated by efflux systems has become more relevant, since these systems help the bacteria to extrude antibiotics until relevant mutations emerge and become established in the population. Therefore, compounds that inhibit these transport systems are of major importance and have been studied in the last few years. Not only do these compounds act on the bacterial efflux systems but they have also been explored for their dual role as boosters of the macrophage-infected cells. The search for novel compounds or combinations of adjuvant compounds and antibiotics to treat mycobacterial multidrug-resistant infections has become a major goal in the treatment of these diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / chemistry
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Biological Transport / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / genetics
  • Drug Synergism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / trends
  • Humans
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / drug effects
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Models, Biological
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / genetics
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins