The Potential, Challenges and New Horizons of Marine Natural Products Against Tuberculosis Infection

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most significant health perils that has claimed more lives than any other contagious disease over the past 2000 years. The treatment of tuberculosis has been severely compromised due to drug-resistant strains. In this review, we cover the field of the clinical pipeline of tuberculosis drugs, and summarize the progress of their targets and structures. A wide range of marine natural products (MNPs) with novel structures and remarkable activities have potential for the development of antituberculosis drugs. We systematically summarize the progress and potential of 107 potent MNPs that have shown activity against tuberculosis infection. Additionally, we highlight the physicochemical properties of MNPs, total synthesis, and biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, to further evaluate their drug-likeness and sustainability of compound supply. However, the intricate nature of the pathogen, drug misuse, bottlenecks in the supply of MNPs, and other problems pose challenges to reaching the goal of completely eradicating tuberculosis worldwide. Reliable alternative models, screening based on enzyme activity, and combination therapies may be transforming discovery and application in the field of antituberculosis drugs, accelerating discovery and improving sustainable therapeutic effects. These promising lead compounds and widely emerging technologies broaden horizons for developing marine drugs.