Metabolic conversion of CI-1040 turns a cellular MEK-inhibitor into an antibacterial compound

Sci Rep. 2018 Jun 14;8(1):9114. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-27445-7.

Abstract

Influenza virus (IV) infections cause severe respiratory illnesses that can be complicated by bacterial super-infections. Previously, we identified the cellular Raf-MEK-ERK cascade as a promising antiviral target. Inhibitors of MEK, such as CI-1040, showed potent antiviral activity. However, it remained unclear if this inhibitor and its active form, ATR-002, might sensitize host cells to either IV or secondary bacterial infections. To address these questions, we studied the anti-pathogen activity of ATR-002 in comparison to CI-1040, particularly, its impact on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is a major cause of IV super-infections. We analysed IV and S. aureus titres in vitro during super-infection in the presence and absence of the drugs and characterized the direct impact of ATR-002 on bacterial growth and phenotypic changes. Importantly, neither CI-1040 nor ATR-002 treatment led to increased bacterial titres during super-infection, indicating that the drug does not sensitize cells for bacterial infection. In contrast, we rather observed reduced bacterial titres in presence of ATR-002. Surprisingly, ATR-002 also led to reduced bacterial growth in suspension cultures, reduced stress- and antibiotic tolerance without resistance induction. Our data identified for the first time that a particular MEK-inhibitor metabolite exhibits direct antibacterial activity, which is likely due to interference with the bacterial PknB kinase/Stp phosphatase signalling system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Benzamides* / pharmacokinetics
  • Benzamides* / pharmacology
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors* / pharmacokinetics
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / metabolism
  • Staphylococcal Infections / pathology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / growth & development*

Substances

  • 2-(2-chloro-4-iodophenylamino)-N-cyclopropylmethoxy-3,4-difluorobenzamide
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases