Structure-Function Studies on IMD-0354 Identifies Highly Active Colistin Adjuvants

Ansley M Nemeth1, Akash K Basak1, Alexander W Weig1

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.

Chemmedchem
|November 23, 2019
PubMed

Insights

New compounds targeting colistin resistance in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria show enhanced potency. This research explores structure-activity relationships to combat the growing threat of untreatable infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections pose a significant global health challenge.
  • Increasing colistin resistance limits treatment options for MDR Gram-negative infections, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Adjuvants that bypass bacterial resistance mechanisms offer a promising approach to combatting antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the IKK-β inhibitor IMD-0354 scaffold for suppressing colistin resistance.
  • To identify novel compounds with enhanced activity against colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Exploration of SAR for IMD-0354 derivatives.
  • Testing of identified compounds against highly colistin-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Main Results:

  • Several IMD-0354 derivatives demonstrated potent suppression of colistin resistance.
  • Identified compounds exhibited superior activity compared to the parent compound against resistant bacterial strains.

Conclusions:

  • The IMD-0354 scaffold is a viable starting point for developing novel adjuvants to overcome colistin resistance.
  • Further development of these compounds could provide new therapeutic options for MDR Gram-negative infections.