MraY Inhibitors as Novel Antibacterial Agents

MraY presents all necessary biological requirements to be considered as a target of interest for the discovery of novel antibacterials. Furthermore, several inhibitors aimed at this enzyme have been discovered. Amphomycin, which is currently used as a topical antibacterial in the veterinary industry is one of them, but the major source of future developments resides in the nucleoside based inhibitors group. This group has been subdivided into classes: Tunicamycins, Ribosamino-uridines, Uridylpeptides and Capuramycins. Analysis of pharmacological behaviours observed with several compounds within these classes, shows that broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including relevant resistant strains and in vivo efficacy without toxicity are achievable. Among them, Caprazamycins, Muraymycins, Riburamycins and Capuramycins present the most promising profiles.