Efflux pump inhibitors for bacterial pathogens: From bench to bedside

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Antibiotics revolutionized medicine, but bacterial resistance has emerged.
• Antibiotic efflux pumps are a key bacterial defense mechanism against antibiotics.
• The dwindling supply of novel antibiotics necessitates alternative treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) as a strategy to combat antibiotic resistance.
• To explore the mechanisms and sources of EPIs.
• To identify challenges hindering the clinical application of EPIs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on antibiotic efflux pumps and inhibitors.
• Analysis of natural and synthetic EPI sources and their mechanisms of action.
• Identification of hurdles in the development and commercialization of EPIs.

Main Results:

• Efflux pump inhibition is a promising approach to overcome antibiotic resistance.
• EPIs can be derived from diverse natural and synthetic origins.
• Significant challenges impede the translation of EPIs into clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• Efflux pump inhibitors hold potential for revitalizing existing antibiotics.
• Overcoming developmental and regulatory challenges is crucial for realizing the therapeutic promise of EPIs.