16-membered macrolide antibiotics: a review.

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.