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Updated: May 21, 2026
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High Throughput, Real-time, Dual-readout Testing of Intracellular Antimicrobial Activity and Eukaryotic Cell Cytotoxicity
Published on: November 16, 2016
High-throughput screening of a diversity collection using biodefense category A and B priority pathogens
Esther W Barrow1, Patricia A Clinkenbeard, Rebecca A Duncan-Decocq
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA. bill.barrow@okstate.edu
Journal of Biomolecular Screening
|June 2, 2012
Summary
Researchers screened 10,000 compounds to find broad-spectrum antimicrobials for bioterrorism pathogens. Forty-nine compounds showed in vitro activity against all four priority pathogens, suggesting potential novel drug development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Biodefense Research
Background:
- The National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Biodefense Program aims to discover broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
- Emerging infectious agents and bioterrorism pathogens pose significant public health threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen a diverse compound library for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against NIAID priority pathogens.
- To identify novel compound classes for potential biodefense applications.
Main Methods:
- A 10,000-compound library was screened using a high-throughput screening (HTS) 96-well format.
- Compounds were tested against three NIAID category A and one category B priority pathogens.
- Screening was adapted for biosafety level 3 containment.
Main Results:
- Forty-nine compounds demonstrated in vitro activity against all four tested pathogens.
- Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were ≤16 µg/mL for active compounds.
- Analysis of chemical scaffolds suggests potential novel mechanisms of action.
Conclusions:
- The study identified promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial candidates.
- These compounds may represent novel therapeutic agents for biodefense.
- Further investigation into their mechanisms of action is warranted.
