Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Author Spotlight: Scalable Drug Screening Protocol for Efficient Discovery of M. abscessus Treatments
Published on: October 25, 2024
16-membered macrolide antibiotics: a review
Biljana Arsic1, Jill Barber1, Ana Čikoš2
1Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PT, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The 16-membered macrolide antibiotics (e.g. tylosin A and josamycin) are mainly used in veterinary medicine, and are much less studied than their 14- and 15-membered erythromycin-based cousins. Although these antibiotics have similar antibacterial profiles, with activity primarily against Gram-positive and a limited range of Gram-negative organisms, the 16-membered macrolides show some advantages. These include better gastrointestinal tolerance, lack of drug-drug interactions, and activity against certain resistant bacterial strains by extension of the peptide tunnel reach allowing additional interactions. In addition to antibacterial activity, the most famous representative of the class, tylosin A, as well as some derivatives of desmycosin (tylosin B), have shown antimalarial activity. Such activity has also been observed in the 14-membered macrolide antibiotics, azithromycin, solithromycin and clindamycin. This antimalarial activity provides the opportunity to investigate these drugs as cheap and effective antimalarials. This is an overview of the latest research on biosynthesis, structure, chemical properties and mode of action of 16-membered macrolides, with special emphasis on their most explored members: tylosin A and josamycin.
Insights
16-membered macrolide antibiotics, like tylosin A, are effective against bacteria and show promise as affordable antimalarials. Their unique structure offers advantages over smaller macrolides.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- 16-membered macrolide antibiotics are less studied than 14- and 15-membered macrolides.
- They exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria.
- Notable members include tylosin A and josamycin, primarily used in veterinary medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest research on 16-membered macrolides.
- To highlight their biosynthesis, structure, chemical properties, and mode of action.
- To emphasize their potential as antimalarial agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on 16-membered macrolides.
- Analysis of antibacterial and antimalarial activities.
- Examination of structural and chemical properties.
Main Results:
- 16-membered macrolides offer advantages like better gastrointestinal tolerance and fewer drug-drug interactions.
- They show activity against resistant bacterial strains due to extended peptide tunnel interactions.
- Tylosin A and desmycosin derivatives exhibit antimalarial activity, similar to some 14-membered macrolides.
Conclusions:
- 16-membered macrolides possess significant antibacterial and emerging antimalarial properties.
- Their unique structural features contribute to enhanced efficacy and safety profiles.
- Further research into these compounds could lead to novel therapeutic agents for bacterial infections and malaria.
More Related Videos
08:58Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
05:46Identification of Pharmaceuticals in The Aquatic Environment Using HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS and Elimination of Erythromycin Through Photo-Induced Degradation
Published on: August 1, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
00:57Antibiotic Selection
01:24Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
01:26Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes
01:17Gram-negative Bacterial Protein Secretion Systems