Molecular Targets Related Drug Resistance Mechanisms in MDR-, XDR-, and TDR-Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains

Progress in the role of nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint tuberculosis

Bone and joint tuberculosis (BJTB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), is a prevalent form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that poses significant challenges to global public health due to difficulties in early diagnosis, prolonged treatment cycles, and drug resistance. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have introduced novel solutions for the early detection and precise treatment of BJTB, leveraging unique physicochemical properties such as high specific surface area, targeted delivery capabilities, sustained drug release, and excellent biocompatibility. In diagnostic applications, nanomaterials markedly enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of detection methods while reducing testing time. These technologies are adaptable to resource-limited settings, enabling earlier patient intervention and mitigating disease progression risk. In therapeutic applications, nanomaterials prolong drug retention in bone tissue through targeted delivery, thereby decreasing medication frequency and minimizing toxic side effects, which significantly improves treatment efficacy. Despite substantial progress, further research is required to address long-term safety concerns, broaden clinical applicability, and evaluate performance under complex pathological conditions. This review summarizes recent advancements in nanomaterials for diagnosing and treating BJTB and identifies key areas for future research, laying the groundwork for advancing precision medicine and personalized treatments.

A novel non-invasive murine model for rapidly testing drug activity via inhalation administration against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The efficacy of many compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is often limited when administered via conventional oral or injection routes due to suboptimal pharmacokinetic characteristics. Inhalation-based delivery methods have been investigated to achieve high local therapeutic doses in the lungs. However, previous models, typically employing wild-type M. tuberculosis strains, were intricate, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and with poor reproducibility. In this study, we developed an autoluminescence-based inhalation administration model to evaluate drug activity by quantifying relative light units (RLUs) emitted from live mice infected with autoluminescent M. tuberculosis. This novel approach offers several advantages: (1) it eliminates the need for anesthesia in mice during administration and simplifies the instrument manipulation; (2) it is cost-effective by utilizing mice instead of larger animals; (3) it shortens the time from several months to 16 or 17 days for obtaining result; (4) it is non-invasive by directly measuring the live RLUs of mice as a surrogate marker for colony-forming units for in vivo drug activity testing; (5) up to six mice can be administrated daily and simultaneously, even 2-3 times/day; (6) results are relatively objective and reproducible results minimizing human factors. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrated that inhalable rifampicin, isoniazid, and ethambutol showed anti-M. tuberculosis activity at concentrations as low as 0.5, 0.5, and 0.625 mg/mL, respectively, as evidenced by comparing the live RLUs of mice. Furthermore, consistency between RLUs and colony-forming units of the autoluminescent M. tuberculosis in lungs reaffirms the reliability of RLUs as an indicator of drug efficacy, highlighting the potential of this approach for accurately assessing anti-M. tuberculosis activity in vivo. This autoluminescence-based, non-invasive inhalation model offers a substantial reduction in the time, effort, and cost required for evaluating the efficacy of screening new drugs and repurposing old drugs in vivo via inhalation administration.

Insights to the role of phytoconstituents in aiding multi drug resistance - Tuberculosis treatment strategies

Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have emerged as a global challenge. There are several underlying mechanisms which are involved in causing mycobacterial resistance towards antitubercular agents including post translational modifications, efflux pumps and gene mutations. This resistance necessitates the investigation of complementary therapeutic options including the use of bioactive compounds from plants. Recent studies have focused on recognising and isolating the characteristics of these compounds to assess their potential against MDR-TB. Phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and essential oils have shown promising antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These compounds can either directly kill or inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis or enhance the immune system's ability to fight against the infection. Some studies suggest that combining phytoconstituents with standard antitubercular medications works synergistically by enhancing the efficacy of drug, potentially lowering the associated risk of side effects and eventually combating resistance development. This review attempts to elucidate the potential of phytoconstituents in combating resistance in MDR-TB which hold a promise to change the course of treatment strategies in tuberculosis.

An O-methylflavone from Artemisia afra kills non-replicating hypoxic Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

African wormwood (Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd.) has been used traditionally in southern Africa to treat illnesses causing fever and was recently shown to possess anti-tuberculosis activity. As tuberculosis is an endemic cause of fever in southern Africa, this suggests that the anti-tubercular activity of A. afra may have contributed to its traditional medicinal use.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a deadly and debilitating disease globally affecting millions annually. Emerging drug-resistant Mtb strains endanger the efficacy of the current therapies employed to treat tuberculosis; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs to combat this disease. Given the reported activity of A. afra against Mtb, we sought to determine the mechanisms by which A. afra inhibits and kills this bacterium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used transcriptomics to investigate the impact of Artemisia spp. extracts on Mtb physiology. We then used chromatographic fractionation and biochemometric analyses to identify a bioactive fractions of A. afra extracts and identify an active compound.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis revealed that A. afra exerts different effects on Mtb compared to A. annua or artemisinin, suggesting that A. afra possesses other phytochemicals with unique modes of action. A biochemometric study of A. afra resulted in the isolation of an O-methylflavone (1), 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-one, which displayed considerable activity against Mtb strain mc26230 in both log phase growth and metabolically downshifted hypoxic cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that an O-methylflavone constituent of Artemisia afra explains part of the activity of this plant against Mtb. This result contributes to a mechanistic understanding of the reported anti-tubercular activity of A. afra and highlights the need for further study of this traditional medicinal plant and its active compounds.

Advances in antibacterial agents for Mycobacterium fortuitum

Mycobacterium fortuitum is an emerging human pathogen, characterized by an increase in prevalence and antibacterial resistance over the years, highlighting the need for the development of new drugs against this rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). To support this crusade, this review summarizes findings from the past two decades concerning compounds with antimycobacterial activity against M. fortuitum. It identifies the most promising and effective chemical frameworks to inspire the development of new therapeutic alternatives for infections caused by this microorganism. Most compounds effective against M. fortuitum are synthetic, with macozinone, featuring a 2-piperazine-benzothiazinone framework, standing out as a notable drug candidate. Among natural products, the polyphenolic polyketide clostrubin and the sansanmycin peptide analogs have shown efficacy against this NTM. Some compounds' mechanisms of action on M. fortuitum have been studied, including NITD-916, which acts as an enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase inhibitor, and TBAJ-5307, which inhibits F-ATP synthase. Moreover, this review discusses the pathogenic molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets within this mycobacterium.

Decreased susceptibility to viscosin in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Growing numbers of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains are a major concern for healthcare systems that will require new antibiotics for treatment as well as preventative measures that reduce the number of infections. Lipopeptides are antimicrobial molecules, of which some are used as antibiotics, including the last resort antibiotics daptomycin and polymyxins. Here we have studied the antimicrobial effect of the cyclic lipopeptide viscosin on S. pneumoniae growth and morphology. Most lipopeptides function as surfactants that create pores in membrane layers, which is regarded as their main antimicrobial activity. We show that viscosin can inhibit growth of S. pneumoniae without disintegration of the cytoplasmic membrane. Instead, the cells developed abnormal shapes and misplaced new division sites. The cell wall of these bacteria appeared less dense in electron microscopy images, suggesting that viscosin interfered with normal cell wall synthesis. Corroborating this observation, a luciferase reporter assay was used to show that the two-component systems LiaFSR and CiaRH, which are known to be activated upon cell wall stress, were strongly induced by viscosin. Furthermore, a mutant displaying 1.8-fold decreased susceptibility to viscosin was generated by sequential exposure to increasing concentrations of the lipopeptide. The mutant suffered from significant fitness loss and had mutations in genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, teichoic acid synthesis, and cell wall synthesis as well as transcription and translation. How these mutations might be linked to decreased viscosin susceptibility is discussed.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis in children, and the incidence of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains is increasing. Development of new antibiotics is therefore necessary to treat these types of infections in the future. Here, we have studied the activity of the antimicrobial lipopeptide viscosin on S. pneumoniae and show that in addition to having the typical membrane destabilizing activity of lipopeptides, viscosin inhibits pneumococcal growth by obstructing normal cell wall synthesis. This suggests a more specific mode of action than just the surfactant activity. Furthermore, we show that S. pneumoniae does not easily acquire resistance to viscosin, which makes it a promising molecule to explore further, for example, by synthesizing less toxic derivates that can be tested for therapeutic potential.

Recent advances in gold nanoparticles-based biosensors for tuberculosis determination

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major killer diseases affecting lung parenchymal tissues. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the bacterium that causes it. It most commonly affects the lungs, although it can affect any part of the body, including the stomach, glands, bones, and nervous system. Although anti-mycobacterial drugs are available, it remains a major threat to public health due to the rise of drug-resistant strains, and early and accurate diagnosis is very important. Currently, research science and medical communities are focusing on the use of cost-effective biosensors to manage human biological processes and assess accurate health diagnostics. Due to their high sensitivity in chemical and biological assays, nanomaterials have been considered in the field of biosensors for better diagnosis, and among them, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can play an important role in accelerating the diagnosis of TB. Superior biocompatibility, conductivity, catalytic properties, high surface-to-volume ratio, and high density enable their widespread use in the fabrication of biosensors. This review evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of AuNP-based biosensors for the detection of Mtb. According to different transducers of biosensors, their structure, performance, advantages and limitations are summarized and compared. Moreover, the upcoming challenges in their analytical performance have been highlighted and the strategies to overcome those challenges have been briefly discussed.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: a novel strategy for fighting drug resistance in respiratory disorders

Respiratory disorders are among the conditions that affect the respiratory system. The healthcare sector faces challenges due to the emergence of drug resistance to prescribed medications for these illnesses. However, there is a technology called CRISPR/Cas9, which uses RNA to guide DNA targeting. This technology has revolutionized our ability to manipulate and visualize the genome, leading to advancements in research and treatment development. It can effectively reverse epigenetic alterations that contribute to drug resistance. Some studies focused on health have shown that targeting genes using CRISPR/Cas9 can be challenging when it comes to reducing drug resistance in patients with respiratory disorders. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this technology, such as off-target effects, immune system reactions to Cas9, and challenges associated with delivery methods. Despite these limitations, this review aims to provide knowledge about CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools and explore how they can help overcome resistance in patients with respiratory disorders. Additionally, this study discusses concerns related to applications of CRISPR and provides an overview of successful clinical trial studies.

Bactericidal and sterilizing activity of sudapyridine-clofazimine-TB47 combined with linezolid or pyrazinamide in a murine model of tuberculosis

As an obligate aerobe, Mycobacterium tuberculosis relies on its branched electron transport chain (ETC) for energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Regimens targeting ETC exhibit promising potential to enhance bactericidal activity against M. tuberculosis and hold the prospect of shortening treatment duration. Our previous research demonstrated that the bacteriostatic drug candidate TB47 (T) inhibited the growth of M. tuberculosis by targeting the cytochrome bc1 complex and exhibited synergistic activity with clofazimine (C). Here, we found synergistic activities between C and sudapyridine (S), a structural analog of bedaquiline (B). S has shown similar anti-tuberculosis efficacy and may share a mechanism of action with B, which inhibits ATP synthesis and the energy metabolism of bacteria. We evaluated the efficacy of SCT in combination with linezolid (L) or pyrazinamide (Z) using a well-established murine model of tuberculosis. Compared to the BPa(pretomanid)L regimen, SCT and SCTL demonstrated similar bactericidal and sterilizing activities. There was no significant difference in activity between SCT and SCTL. In contrast, SCZ and SCTZ showed much higher activities, with none of the 15 mice experiencing relapse after 2 months of treatment with either SCZ or SCTZ. However, T did not contribute to the activity of the SCZ. Our findings emphasize the efficacy and the potential clinical significance of combination therapy with ETC inhibitors. Additionally, cross-resistance exists not only between S and B but also between S/B and C. This is supported by our findings, as spontaneous S-resistant mutants exhibited mutations in Rv0678, which are associated with cross-resistance to B and C.

In silico identification of phytochemical inhibitors for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis based on novel pharmacophore generation and molecular dynamics simulation studies

BACKGROUND

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (particularly resistant to pyrazinoic acid) is a life-threatening chronic pulmonary disease. Running a marketed regime specifically targets the ribosomal protein subunit-1 (RpsA) and stops trans-translation in the non-mutant bacterium, responsible for the lysis of bacterial cells. However, in the strains of mutant bacteria, this regime has failed in curing TB and killing pathogens, which may only because of the ala438 deletion, which inhibit the binding of pyrazinoic acid to the RpsA active site. Therefore, such cases of tuberculosis need an immediate and effective regime.

OBJECTIVE

This study has tried to determine and design such chemotypes that are able to bind to the mutant RpsA protein.

METHODS

For these purposes, two phytochemical databases, i.e., NPASS and SANCDB, were virtually screened by a pharmacophore model using an online virtual screening server Pharmit.

RESULTS

The model of pharmacophore was developed using the potential inhibitor (zr115) for the mutant of RpsA. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening results into 154 hits from the NPASS database, and 22 hits from the SANCDB database. All the predicted hits were docked in the binding pocket of the mutant RpsA protein. Top-ranked five and two compounds were selected from the NPASS and SANCDB databases respectively. On the basis of binding energies and binding affinities of the compounds, three compounds were selected from the NPASS database and one from the SANCDB database. All compounds were found to be non-toxic and highly active against the mutant pathogen. To further validate the docking results and check the stability of hits, molecular dynamic simulation of three compounds were performed. The MD simulation results showed that all these finally selected compounds have stronger binding interactions, lesser deviation or fluctuations, with greater compactness compared to the reference compound.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that these compounds could be effective inhibitors for mutant RpsA.

Unravelling the potential of Triflusal as an anti-TB repurposed drug by targeting replication protein DciA

The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TB) is imposing extreme difficulties in controlling the TB infection rate globally, making treatment critically challenging. To combat the prevailing situation, it is crucial to explore new anti-TB drugs with a novel mechanism of action and high efficacy. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb)DciA is an essential protein involved in bacterial replication and regulates its growth. DciA interacts with DNA and provides critical help in binding other replication machinery proteins to the DNA. Moreover, the lack of any structural homology of M.tb DciA with human proteins makes it an appropriate target for drug development. In this study, FDA-approved drugs were virtually screened against M.tb DciA to identify potential inhibitors. Four drugs namely Lanreotide, Risedronate, Triflusal, and Zoledronic acid showed higher molecular docking scores. Further, molecular dynamics simulations analysis of DciA-drugs complexes reported stable interaction, more compactness, and reduced atomic motion. The anti-TB activity of drugs was further evaluated under in vitro and ex vivo conditions where Triflusal was observed to have the best possible activity with the MIC of 25 μg/ml. Our findings present novel DciA inhibitors and anti-TB activity of Triflusal. Further investigations on the use of Triflusal may lead to the discovery of a new anti-TB drug.

The profile of genome-wide DNA methylation, transcriptome, and proteome in streptomycin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Streptomycin-resistant (SM-resistant) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is a major concern in tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying streptomycin resistance remain unclear. This study primarily aimed to perform preliminary screening of genes associated with streptomycin resistance through conjoint analysis of multiple genomics. Genome-wide methylation, transcriptome, and proteome analyses were used to elucidate the associations between specific genes and streptomycin resistance in M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Methylation analysis revealed that 188 genes were differentially methylated between the SM-resistant and normal groups, with 89 and 99 genes being hypermethylated and hypomethylated, respectively. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that these 188 differentially methylated genes were enriched in 74 pathways, with most of them being enriched in metabolic pathways. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 516 genes were differentially expressed between the drug-resistant and normal groups, with 263 and 253 genes being significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively. KEGG analysis indicated that these 516 genes were enriched in 79 pathways, with most of them being enriched in histidine metabolism. The methylation level was negatively related to mRNA abundance. Proteome analysis revealed 56 differentially expressed proteins, including 14 upregulated and 42 downregulated proteins. Moreover, three hub genes (coaE, fadE5, and mprA) were obtained using synthetic analysis. The findings of this study suggest that an integrated DNA methylation, transcriptome, and proteome analysis can provide important resources for epigenetic studies in SM-resistant M. tuberculosis H37Rv.

Molecular mechanisms of resistance and treatment efficacy of clofazimine and bedaquiline against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Clofazimine (CFZ) and bedaquiline (BDQ) are currently used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains. In recent years, adding CFZ and BDQ to tuberculosis (TB) drug regimens against MDR Mtb strains has significantly improved treatment results, but these improvements are threatened by the emergence of MDR and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mtb strains. Recently, CFZ and BDQ have attracted much attention for their strong clinical efficacy, although very little is known about the mechanisms of action, drug susceptibility test (DST), resistance mechanisms, cross-resistance, and pharmacokinetics of these two drugs. In this current review, we provide recent updates on the mechanisms of action, DST, associated mutations with individual resistance and cross-resistance, clinical efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of CFZ and BDQ against Mtb strains. Presently, known mechanisms of resistance for CFZ and/or BDQ include mutations within the Rv0678, pepQ, Rv1979c, and atpE genes. The cross-resistance between CFZ and BDQ may reduce available MDR-/XDR-TB treatment options. The use of CFZ and BDQ for treatment in the setting of limited DST could allow further spread of drug resistance. The DST and resistance knowledge are urgently needed where CFZ and BDQ resistance do emerge. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of clinical efficacy, DST, cross-resistance, and pharmacokinetics for CFZ and BDQ against Mtb can provide new ideas for improving treatment outcomes, reducing mortality, preventing drug resistance, and TB transmission. Along with this, it will also help to develop rapid molecular diagnostic tools as well as novel therapeutic drugs for TB.

Insights into the in-vitro Susceptibility and Drug-Drug Interaction Profiles Against Drug-Resistant and Susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates in Amhara, Ethiopia

Background

In Ethiopia, tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem. The aim of the study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility level of drugs and drug interaction profiles against drug-resistant and susceptible M. tuberculosis clinical isolates. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2023 and August 2023. GenoType MTBDRplus v.2.0 was facilitated in genetic mutation detection. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using resazurin microtitre assay (REMA), while fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) using resazurin drug combination microtitre assay (REDCA) for in vitro quantitative susceptibility and drug interaction prediction.

Results

Among 32 clinical isolates, a total of 14 (43.8%) RIF, 20 (62.5%) INH, 2 (6.3%) EMB-related resistant and 14 (43.8%) MDR isolates were identified. Five of RIF-resistant isolates (55.6%) carrying rpoB common mutations at codon S450L were associated with high levels of RIF-resistance with MICs of ≥ 2μg/mL, whereas 100% of isolates harboring rpoB substitutions at codons D435V and H445Y were linked with moderate or low-level RIF-resistance in the MIC ranges from 0.5 to 1μg/mL. A proportion of 81.8% of isolates harboring katG S315T mutations were associated with high-level INH resistance (MIC ≥ 1μg/mL), while the 18.2% of isolates with S315T katG mutations and 100% of isolates with inhA C-15T mutations were linked to the low-level of INH resistance with MIC variability from 0.25 to 0.5μg/mL. Our results indicated that most FICIs of the dual drugs INH+RIF and INH+LEV combination for 9 (28.1%) and 4 (12.5%) INH-resistant isolates, respectively, were ≤0.5, whereas triple drugs INH+RIF+EMB, INH+RIF+LEV and INH+EMB+LEV combination for 6 (18.8%), 11 (34.4%) and 8 (25%) INH-resistant isolates were from 0.62 to 0.75, all showed synergistic effect.

Conclusion

The study highlights that isolates with rpoB S450L and katG S315T substitutions were associated with high level of RIF and INH resistance. It is concluded that REDCA can quantitatively determine anti-mycobacterial synergy and that LEV being of potential use against INH-resistant isolates including MDR-TB when combined with RIF+INH and INH+EMB.

Schematic-portfolio of potent anti-microbial scaffolds targeting DNA gyrase: Unlocking ways to overcome resistance

Drug development process demands validation of specific drug target impeding the Multi Drug Resistance (MDR). DNA gyrase, as a bacterial target has been in trend for developing newer antibacterial candidates due to its absence in higher eukaryotes. The fluoroquinolones are the leading molecules in the drug discovery pipeline for gyrase inhibition due to its diversity. The fluoroquinolones like levofloxacin and moxifloxacin have been listed in class A drugs for treating MDR. Gatifloxacin and ciprofloxacin also proved its efficacy against MDR TB and MDR enteric fever in adults, whereas nemonoxacin can induce anti-MDR activity of other antibiotics already suggested by studies. Though fluoroquinolones already proved its effectiveness against gyrase, other molecules viz., benzothiazinone, phenyl pyrrolamide, substituted oxadiazoles, triazolopyrimidine, arylbenzothiazole, coumarinyl amino alcohols and ciprofloxacin uracil, can inhibit the target more precisely. The structure-activity-relationships of the different scaffolds along with their synthetic strategies have been deciphered in the current review. Also, the naturally occurring compounds along with their extraction procedure have also been highlighted as potent DNA gyrase inhibitors. In addition to fluoroquinolone, the natural compounds novobiocin and simocyclinone could also inhibit the gyrase, impressively which has been designed with the gyrase structure for better understanding. Herein, ongoing clinical development of some novel drugs possessing triazaacenaphthylenes, spiropyrimidinetriones, and oxazolidinone-quinolone hybrids have been highlighted which could further assist the future generation antibiotic development corroborating gyrase as a potential target against MDR pathogens.

Micro-nanoemulsion and nanoparticle-assisted drug delivery against drug-resistant tuberculosis: recent developments

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and the second most prevalent infectious killer after COVID-19. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and has become increasingly challenging to treat due to drug resistance. The World Health Organization declared TB a global health emergency in 1993. Drug resistance in TB is driven by mutations in the bacterial genome that can be influenced by prolonged drug exposure and poor patient adherence. The development of drug-resistant forms of TB, such as multidrug resistant, extensively drug resistant, and totally drug resistant, poses significant therapeutic challenges. Researchers are exploring new drugs and novel drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology-based therapies, to combat drug resistance. Nanodrug delivery offers targeted and precise drug delivery, improves treatment efficacy, and reduces adverse effects. Along with nanoscale drug delivery, a new generation of antibiotics with potent therapeutic efficacy, drug repurposing, and new treatment regimens (combinations) that can tackle the problem of drug resistance in a shorter duration could be promising therapies in clinical settings. However, the clinical translation of nanomedicines faces challenges such as safety, large-scale production, regulatory frameworks, and intellectual property issues. In this review, we present the current status, most recent findings, challenges, and limiting barriers to the use of emulsions and nanoparticles against drug-resistant TB.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex molecular networks and their regulation: Implications of strain heterogeneity on epigenetic diversity and transcriptome regulation

Tuberculosis has been a public health crisis since the 1900, which has caused the highest mortalities due to a single bacterial infection worldwide, that was recently further complicated by the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The causative agent of Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belongs to a genetically well-characterized family of strains known as the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which has complicated progress made towards eradicating Tuberculosis due to pathogen-specific phenotypic differences in the members of this complex. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains are genetically diverse human- and animal-adapted pathogens belonging to 7 lineages (Indo-Oceanic, East-Asian, East-African Indian, Euro-American, M. africanum West Africa 1, M. africanum West Africa 2 and Ethopia), respectively and the recently identified Lineage 8 and M. africanum Lineage 9. Genomic studies have revealed that Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members are ∼99 % similar, however, due to selective pressure and adaptation to human host, they are prone to mutations that have resulted in development of drug resistance and phenotypic heterogeneity that impact strain virulence. Furthermore, members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex have preferred geographic locations and possess unique phenotypic characteristics that is linked to their pathogenicity. Due to the recent advances in development next generation sequencing platforms, several studies have revealed epigenetic changes in genomic regions combined with "unique" gene regulatory mechanisms through non-coding RNAs that are responsible for strain-specific behaviour on in vitro and in vivo infection models. The current review provides up to date epigenetic patterns, gene regulation through non-coding RNAs, together with implications of these mechanisms in down-stream proteome and metabolome, which may be responsible for "unique" responses to infection by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Understanding lineage-specific molecular mechanisms during infection may provide novel drug targets and disease control measures towards World Health organization END-TB strategy.

Marine-Fungi-Derived Gliotoxin Promotes Autophagy to Suppress Mycobacteria tuberculosis Infection in Macrophage

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection causes tuberculosis (TB) and has been a long-standing public-health threat. It is urgent that we discover novel antitubercular agents to manage the increased incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of MTB and tackle the adverse effects of the first- and second-line antitubercular drugs. We previously found that gliotoxin (1), 12, 13-dihydroxy-fumitremorgin C (2), and helvolic acid (3) from the cultures of a deep-sea-derived fungus, Aspergillus sp. SCSIO Ind09F01, showed direct anti-TB effects. As macrophages represent the first line of the host defense system against a mycobacteria infection, here we showed that the gliotoxin exerted potent anti-tuberculosis effects in human THP-1-derived macrophages and mouse-macrophage-leukemia cell line RAW 264.7, using CFU assay and laser confocal scanning microscope analysis. Mechanistically, gliotoxin apparently increased the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I and Atg5 expression, but did not influence macrophage polarization, IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-10 production upon MTB infection, or ROS generation. Further study revealed that 3-MA could suppress gliotoxin-promoted autophagy and restore gliotoxin-inhibited MTB infection, indicating that gliotoxin-inhibited MTB infection can be treated through autophagy in macrophages. Therefore, we propose that marine fungi-derived gliotoxin holds the promise for the development of novel drugs for TB therapy.

Insight into the on/off switch that regulates expression of the MSMEG-3762/63 efflux pump in Mycobacterium smegmatis

Drug resistance is one of the most difficult challenges facing tuberculosis (TB) control. Drug efflux is among the mechanisms leading to drug resistance. In our previous studies, we partially characterized the ABC-type MSMEG-3762/63 efflux pump in Mycobacterium smegmatis, which shares high percentage of identity with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1687/86c pump. MSMEG-3762/63 was shown to have extrusion activity for rifampicin and ciprofloxacin, used in first and second-line anti-TB treatments. Moreover, we described the functional role of the TetR-like MSMEG-3765 protein as a repressor of the MSMEG_3762/63/65 operon and orthologous Rv1687/86/85c in M. tuberculosis. Here we show that the operon is upregulated in the macrophage environment, supporting a previous observation of induction triggered by acid-nitrosative stress. Expression of the efflux pump was also induced by sub-inhibitory concentrations of rifampicin or ciprofloxacin. Both these drugs also prevented the binding of the MSMEG-3765 TetR repressor protein to its operator in the MSMEG_3762/63/65 operon. The hypothesis that these two drugs might be responsible for the induction of the efflux pump operon was assessed by bioinformatics analyses. Docking studies using a structural model of the regulator MSMEG-3765 showed that both antibiotics abolished the ability of this transcriptional repressor to recognize the efflux pump operon by interacting with the homodimer at different binding sites within the same binding pocket. Reduced binding of the repressor leads to induction of the efflux pump in M. smegmatis, and reduced efficacy of these two anti-mycobacterial drugs.

The Use of Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy and Vaccination in Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB), an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is one of the primary causes of death globally. The treatment of TB is long and based on several drugs, producing problems in compliance and toxicity, increasing Mtb resistance to first-line antibiotics that result in multidrug-resistant TB and extensively drug-resistant TB. Thus, the need for new anti-TB treatments has increased. Here, we review some model strategies to study gene therapy based on the administration of a recombinant adenovirus that encodes diverse cytokines, such as IFNγ, IL12, GM/CSF, OPN, TNFα, and antimicrobial peptides to enhance the protective immune response against Mtb. These models include a model of progressive pulmonary TB, a model of chronic infection similar to latent TB, and a murine model of pulmonary Mtb transmission to close contacts. We also review new vaccines that deliver Mtb antigens via particle- or virus-based vectors and trigger protective immune responses. The results obtained in this type of research suggest that this is an alternative therapy that has the potential to treat active TB as an adjuvant to conventional antibiotics and a promising preventive treatment for latent TB reactivation and Mtb transmission. Moreover, Ad vector vaccines are adequate for preventing infectious diseases, including TB.

Research progress of single-cell sequencing in tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a major infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The pathogenesis and immune mechanism of tuberculosis are not clear, and it is urgent to find new drugs, diagnosis, and treatment targets. A useful tool in the quest to reveal the enigmas related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease is the single-cell sequencing technique. By clarifying cell heterogeneity, identifying pathogenic cell groups, and finding key gene targets, the map at the single cell level enables people to better understand the cell diversity of complex organisms and the immune state of hosts during infection. Here, we briefly reviewed the development of single-cell sequencing, and emphasized the different applications and limitations of various technologies. Single-cell sequencing has been widely used in the study of the pathogenesis and immune response of tuberculosis. We review these works summarizing the most influential findings. Combined with the multi-molecular level and multi-dimensional analysis, we aim to deeply understand the blank and potential future development of the research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection using single-cell sequencing technology.

A methoxylated flavone from Artemisia afra kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a deadly and debilitating disease globally affecting millions annually. Emerging drug-resistant Mtb strains endanger the efficacy of the current combination therapies employed to treat tuberculosis; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs to combat this disease. Artemisia afra is used traditionally in southern Africa to treat malaria and recently has shown anti tuberculosis activity. This genus synthesizes a prodigious number of phytochemicals, many of which have demonstrated human health effects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that A. afra exerts different effects on Mtb compared to A. annua or the well-known antimalarial artemisinin, suggesting other phytochemicals present in A. afra with unique modes of action. A biochemometric study of A. afra resulted in the isolation of a methoxylated flavone (1), which displayed considerable activity against Mtb strain mc26230. Compound 1 had an MIC of 312.5 μg/mL and yielded no viable colonies after 6 days of treatment. In addition, 1 was effective in killing hypoxic Mtb cultures, with no viable cultures after 2 days of treatment. This suggested that A. afra is a source of potentially powerful anti-Mtb phytochemicals with novel mechanisms of action.

Overcoming Mycobacterium tuberculosis Drug Resistance: Novel Medications and Repositioning Strategies

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, is a global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. This bacterium has earned a reputation as a formidable adversary due to its multidrug-resistant nature, allowing it to withstand many antibiotics. The development of this drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is attributed to innate and acquired mechanisms. In the past, rifampin was considered a potent medication for treating tuberculosis infections. However, the rapid development of resistance to this drug by the bacterium underscores the pressing need for new therapeutic agents. Fortunately, several other medications previously overlooked for tuberculosis treatment are already available in the market. Moreover, several innovative drugs are under clinical investigation, offering hope for more effective treatments. To enhance the effectiveness of these drugs, it is recommended that researchers concentrate on identifying unique target sites within the bacterium during the drug development process. This strategy could potentially circumvent the issues presented by Mycobacterium drug resistance. This review primarily focuses on the characteristics of novel drug resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It also discusses potential medications being repositioned or sourced from novel origins. The ultimate objective of this review is to discover efficacious treatments for tuberculosis that can successfully tackle the hurdles posed by Mycobacterium drug resistance.

Comorbidity and drug resistance of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the yi autonomous prefecture of China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) has a high morbidity and mortality rate, and its prevention and treatment focus is on impoverished areas. The Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture is a typical impoverished area in western China with insufficient medical resources and high HIV positivity. However, there have been few reports of TB and drug resistance in this area.

METHODS

We collected the demographic and clinical data of inpatients with sputum smear positive TB between 2015 and 2021 in an infectious disease hospital in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Descriptive analyses were used for the epidemiological data. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables between the drug-resistant and drug-susceptible groups, and binary logistic regression was used to analyse meaningful variables.

RESULTS

We included 2263 patients, 79.9% of whom were Yi patients. The proportions of HIV (14.4%) and smoking (37.3%) were higher than previously reported. The incidence of extrapulmonary TB (28.5%) was high, and the infection site was different from that reported previously. When drug resistance gene detection was introduced, the proportion of drug-resistant patients became 10.9%. Patients aged 15-44 years (OR 1.817; 95% CI 1.162-2.840; P < 0.01) and 45-59 years (OR 2.175; 95% CI 1.335-3.543; P < 0.01) had significantly higher incidences of drug resistance than children and the elderly. Patients with a cough of ≥ 2 weeks had a significantly higher chance of drug resistance than those with < 2 weeks or no cough symptoms (OR 2.069; 95% CI 1.234-3.469; P < 0.01). Alcoholism (OR 1.741; 95% CI 1.107-2.736; P < 0.05) and high bacterial counts on sputum acid-fast smears (OR 1.846; 95% CI 1.115-3.058; P < 0.05) were significant in the univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Sputum smear-positive TB predominated in Yi men (15-44 years) with high smoking, alcoholism, and HIV rates. Extrapulmonary TB, especially abdominal TB, prevailed. Recent drug resistance testing revealed higher rates in 15-59 age group and ≥ 2 weeks cough duration. Alcohol abuse and high sputum AFB counts correlated with drug resistance. Strengthen screening and supervision to curb TB transmission and drug-resistant cases in the region.

The Use of Particulate Systems for Tuberculosis Prophylaxis and Treatment: Opportunities and Challenges

The use of particles to develop vaccines and treatments for a wide variety of diseases has increased, and their success has been demonstrated in preclinical investigations. Accurately targeting cells and minimizing doses and adverse side effects, while inducing an adequate biological response, are important advantages that particulate systems offer. The most used particulate systems are liposomes and their derivatives, immunostimulatory complexes, virus-like particles, and organic or inorganic nano- and microparticles. Most of these systems have been proven using therapeutic or prophylactic approaches to control tuberculosis, one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. This article reviews the progress and current state of the use of particles for the administration of TB vaccines and treatments in vitro and in vivo, with a special emphasis on polymeric particles. In addition, we discuss the challenges and benefits of using these particulate systems to provide researchers with an overview of the most promising strategies in current preclinical trials, offering a perspective on their progress to clinical trials.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of MeltPro and Next-Generation Sequencing in Determining Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Isolates

This study systematically investigated the performance of MeltPro and next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance among multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients and explored the relationship between nucleotide alteration and the level of phenotypic susceptibility to FQs. From March 2019 to June 2020, a feasibility and validation study with both MeltPro and next-generation sequencing was performed in 126 patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Using phenotypic drug susceptibility testing as the gold standard, 95.3% (82 of 86) of ofloxacin-resistant isolates were identified correctly by MeltPro. In addition, whole-genome sequencing was able to detect 83 phenotypically ofloxacin-resistant isolates. The isolates with an individual gyrB mutation outside the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ≤2 μg/mL. Despite showing low MICs close to the breakpoint for isolates carrying only gyrA_Ala90Val, the combined mutation gyrB_Asp461Asn caused the ofloxacin MIC to be eight higher than that obtained in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates with the Ala90Val mutation alone (median, 32 μg/mL; P = 0.038). Heteroresistance was observed in 12 of 88 isolates harboring mutations in the QRDRs. In conclusion, our data show that MeltPro and the whole-genome sequencing assay correctly can identify FQ resistance caused by mutations in the gyrA QRDR. The combined gyrB_Asp461Asn mutation may significantly decrease in vitro FQ susceptibility of MTB isolates with low-level-resistance-associated gyrA mutations.

Protein targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and their inhibitors for therapeutic implications: A narrative review

Advancement in the area of anti-tubercular drug development has been full-fledged, yet, a very less number of drug molecules have reached phase II clinical trials, and therefore "End-TB" is still a global challenge. Inhibitors to specific metabolic pathways of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) gain importance in strategizing anti-tuberculosis drug discovery. The lead compounds that target DNA replication, protein synthesis, cell wall biosynthesis, bacterial virulence and energy metabolism are emerging as potential chemotherapeutic options against Mtb growth and survival within the host. In recent times, the in silico approaches have become most promising tools in the identification of suitable inhibitors for specific protein targets of Mtb. An update in the fundamental understanding of these inhibitors and the mechanism of interaction may bring hope to future perspectives in novel drug development and delivery approaches. This review provides a collective impression of the small molecules with potential antimycobacterial activities and their target pathways in Mtb such as cell wall biosynthesis, DNA replication, transcription and translation, efflux pumps, antivirulence pathways and general metabolism. The mechanism of interaction of specific inhibitor with their respective protein targets has been discussed. The comprehensive knowledge of such an impactful area of research would essentially reflect in the discovery of novel drug molecules and effective delivery approaches. This narrative review encompasses the knowledge of emerging targets and promising n that could potentially translate in to the anti-TB-drug discovery.

How Can Omics Inform Diabetic Foot Ulcer Clinical Management? A Whole Genome Comparison of Four Clinical Strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Foot ulcers and associated infections significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in diabetes. While diverse pathogens are found in the diabetes-related infected ulcers, Staphylococcus aureus remains one of the most virulent and widely prevalent pathogens. The high prevalence of S. aureus in chronic wound infections, especially in clinical settings, is attributed to its ability to evolve and acquire resistance against common antibiotics and to elicit an array of virulence factors. In this study, whole genome comparison of four strains of S. aureus (MUF168, MUF256, MUM270, and MUM475) isolated from diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) infections showing varying resistance patterns was carried out to study the genomic similarity, antibiotic resistance profiling, associated virulence factors, and sequence variations in drug targets. The comparative genome analysis showed strains MUM475 and MUM270 to be highly resistant, MUF256 with moderate levels of resistance, and MUF168 to be the least resistant. Strain MUF256 and MUM475 harbored more virulence factors compared with other two strains. Deleterious sequence variants were observed suggesting potential role in altering drug targets and drug efficacy. This comparative whole genome study offers new molecular insights that may potentially inform evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of DFUs in the clinic.

Challenges & Solutions for Recent Advancements in Multi-Drugs Resistance Tuberculosis: A Review

In MDR-TB, mycobacterium is resistant to battlefront drugs like rifampicin and isoniazid. Now it's an urgent global challenge for treatment & diagnosis because more than 50% of drugs are resistant. Till today's information, 5 reasons are liable for MDR: (1) Errors of physicians/patients in therapy management, (2) Complexity and poor vascularization of granulomatous lesions, which obstruct drug distribution to some sites, leading to resistance development, (3) Intrinsic drug resistance of tubercle bacilli, (4) Formation of non-replicating, drug-tolerant bacilli inside the granulomas, (5) Development of mutations in Mtb genes, which are the foremost important molecular mechanisms of resistance. the most contribution of this work is a brief & clear explanation of things chargeable for resistant development, and recent diagnostic & treatment methods for MDR-TB. This study shall help researchers & scientists to develop replacement rapid diagnostic tools, drugs, and treatment protocols.

An Insight on the Prospect of Quinazoline and Quinazolinone Derivatives as Anti-tubercular Agents

Multiple potential drugs have been developed based on the heterocyclic molecules for the treatment of different symptoms. Among the existing heterocyclic molecules, quinazoline and quinazolinone derivatives have been found to exhibit extensive pharmacological and biological characteristics. One significant property of these molecules is their potency as anti-tubercular agents. Thus, both quinazoline and quinazolinone derivatives are modified using different functional groups as substituents for investigating their anti-tubercular activities. We present a summary of the reported anti-tubercular drugs, designed using quinazoline and quinazolinone derivatives, in this review.

Virtual Screening Identifies Novel and Potent Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis PknB with Antibacterial Activity

Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein kinase B (PknB) is essential to mycobacterial growth and has received considerable attention as an attractive target for novel anti-tuberculosis drug development. Here, virtual screening, validated by biological assays, was applied to select candidate inhibitors of M. tuberculosis PknB from the Specs compound library (www.specs.net). Fifteen compounds were identified as hits and selected for in vitro biological assays, of which three indoles (2, AE-848/42799159; 4, AH-262/34335013; 10, AP-124/40904362) inhibited growth of M. tuberculosis H37Rv with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 6.2, 12.5, and 6.2 μg/mL, respectively. Two compounds, 2 and 10, inhibited M. tuberculosis PknB activity in vitro, with IC₅₀ values of 14.4 and 12.1 μM, respectively, suggesting this to be the likely basis of their anti-tubercular activity. In contrast, compound 4 displayed anti-tuberculosis activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv but showed no inhibition of PknB activity (IC₅₀ > 128 μM). We hypothesize that hydrolysis of its ethyl ester to a carboxylate moiety generates an active species that inhibits other M. tuberculosis enzymes. Molecular dynamics simulations of modeled complexes of compounds 2, 4, and 10 bound to M. tuberculosis PknB indicated that compound 4 has a lower affinity for M. tuberculosis PknB than compounds 2 and 10, as evidenced by higher calculated binding free energies, consistent with experiment. Compounds 2 and 10 therefore represent candidate inhibitors of M. tuberculosis PknB that provide attractive starting templates for optimization as anti-tubercular agents.

Pyridine-N-Oxide Alkaloids from Allium stipitatum and Their Synthetic Disulfide Analogs as Potential Drug Candidates against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Molecular Docking, QSBAR, and ADMET Prediction Approach

In this study, we consider pyridine-N-oxide alkaloids from Allium stipitatum and their synthetic disulfide analogs (PDAs) as candidates for next-generational antimycobacterial agents, in light of growing resistance to existing conventional therapies. In silico studies involving molecular docking simulations of 12 PDAs were carried out against 7 Mycobacterium tuberculosis target proteins (MTs) to determine their theoretical binding affinities. Compounds A3, A6, and B9 demonstrated stronger binding affinities on similar MTs. Molecular descriptors (MDs) describing structural and physicochemical properties of the compounds were also calculated using ChemDes, explored using Pearson's correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) in comparison with MDs from conventional antitubercular medicines. The PDAs possessed similar scores as isoniazid and pyrazinamide. The MDs were also used to conduct a quantitative structure-binding affinity relationship (QSBAR) study by building good fit and significant models through principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Leave-one-out cross-validation was adopted in the PLSR, resulting in good predictive models on all MTs (range of R² = 0.7541‐0.8992; range of Q² = 0.6183‐0.8162). Both PCR and PLSR models predicted the significant effects of ndonr, Hy, Mol wt, nhev, nring, ndb, Log P, W, Pol, ISIZ, TIAC, Getov, and UI on the binding of ligands to the MTs. In silico prediction of PDAs' ADMET profiles was conducted with QikProp utility. The ADMET profiles of the compounds were favorable. The outcome of the current study strengthens the significance of these compounds as promising lead candidates for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

The impact of single-cell genomics on the field of mycobacterial infection

Genome sequencing projects of humans and other organisms reinforced that the complexity of biological systems is largely attributed to the tight regulation of gene expression at the epigenome and RNA levels. As a consequence, plenty of technological developments arose to increase the sequencing resolution to the cell dimension creating the single-cell genomics research field. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is leading the advances in this topic and comprises a vast array of different methodologies. scRNA-seq and its variants are more and more used in life science and biomedical research since they provide unbiased transcriptomic sequencing of large populations of individual cells. These methods go beyond the previous “bulk” methodologies and sculpt the biological understanding of cellular heterogeneity and dynamic transcriptomic states of cellular populations in immunology, oncology, and developmental biology fields. Despite the large burden caused by mycobacterial infections, advances in this field obtained via single-cell genomics had been comparatively modest. Nonetheless, seminal research publications using single-cell transcriptomics to study host cells infected by mycobacteria have become recently available. Here, we review these works summarizing the most impactful findings and emphasizing the different and recent single-cell methodologies used, potential issues, and problems. In addition, we aim at providing insights into current research gaps and potential future developments related to the use of single-cell genomics to study mycobacterial infection.

Discovery of biphenyls bearing thiobarbiturate fragment by structure-based strategy as Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein tyrosine phosphatase B inhibitors

Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein tyrosine phosphatase B (MptpB) is an important virulence factor that blocks the host immune response and facilitates M. tuberculosis growth in host cells. MptpB inhibitors are potential components of tuberculosis combination treatment. Herein, we present the development of new biphenyls MptpB inhibitors with greatly improved MptpB inhibition based on our reported thiobarbiturate lead 6 by rational design with the structure-based strategy. The eight biphenyls bearing thiobarbiturate fragment target compounds showed more potent MptpB inhibition (IC₅₀: 1.18-14.13 μM) than the lead compound 6. Further molecular docking studies showed that compounds 13, 26, 27 and 28 had multiple interactions with active sites. Among them, compound 13 exhibited dose-dependent increased antituberculosis activity in mouse macrophages. The results displayed that the strategy of modification utilizing biphenyl scaffold was efficient. Our study identifies biphenyls bearing thiobarbiturate fragment as new MptpB inhibitors and verifies the therapeutic potential of antimycobacterial agent targeting MptpB.

Bacterial FtsZ inhibition by benzo[d]imidazole-2-carboxamide derivative with anti-TB activity

Aims: The present study aimed to assess the mode of action of previously reported anti- Mycobacterium tuberculosis benzo[ d]imidazole-2-carboxamides against FtsZ along with their antibacterial potential. Materials & methods: The anti-mycobacterial action of benzo[ d]imidazole-2-carboxamides against FtsZ was evaluated using inhibition of Bacillus subtilis 168, light scattering assay, circular dichroism spectroscopy, in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Results & conclusion: Three compounds (1k, 1o and 1e) were active against isoniazid-resistant strains. Four compounds (1h, 1i, 1o and 4h) showed >70% inhibition against B. subtilis 168. Compound 1o was the most potent inhibitor (91 ± 5% inhibition) of  B. subtilis 168 FtsZ and perturbed its secondary structure. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation of complexed 1o suggested M. tuberculosis FtsZ as a possible target for antitubercular activity.

Characterization of Genetic Variants Associated with Rifampicin Resistance Level in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates Collected in Guangzhou Chest Hospital, China

Objective

Rifampicin (RIF)-resistance, a surrogate marker for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), is mediated by mutations in the rpoB gene. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of mutations pattern in the entire rpoB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates and their association with resistance level to RIF.

Methods

Among 465 clinical isolates collected from the Guangzhou Chest Hospital, drug-susceptibility of 175 confirmed Mtb strains was performed via the proportion method and Bactec MGIT 960 system. GeneXpert MTB/RIF and sanger sequencing facilitated in genetic characterization, whereas the MICs of RIF were determined by Alamar blue assay.

Results

We found 150/175 (85.71%) RIF-resistant strains (MIC: 4 to >64 µg/mL) of which 57 were MDR and 81 pre-XDR TB. Genetic analysis identified 17 types of mutations 146/150 (97.33%) within RRDR (codons 426–452) of rpoB, mainly at L430 (P), D435 (V, E, G, N), H445 (N, D, Y, R, L), S450 (L, F) and L452 (P). D435V 12/146 (8.2%), H445N 16/146 (10.9%), and S450L 70/146 (47.94%) were the most frequently encountered mutations. Mutations Q432K, M434V, and N437D are rarely identified in RRDR. Deletions at (1284–1289 CCAGCT), (1295–1303 AATTCATGG), and insertion at (1300–1302 TTC) were detected within RRDR of three RIF^R strains for the first time. We detected 47 types of mutations and insertions/deletions (indels) outside the RRDR. Four RIF^R strains were detected with only novel mutations/indels outside the RRDR. Two of the four had (K274Q + C897 del + I491M) and (A286V + L494P), respectively. The other two had (G1687del + P454L) and (TT1835-6 ins + I491L) individually. Compared with phenotypic characterization, diagnostic sensitivities of GeneXpert MTB/RIF and sequencing analysis were 95.33% (143/150), and 100% (150/150) respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the key role of RRDR mutations and the contribution of non-RRDR mutations in rapid molecular diagnosis of RIF^R clinical isolates. Such insights will support early detection of disease and recommend the appropriate anti-TB regimens in high-burden settings.

Promising Antimycobacterial Activities of Flavonoids against Mycobacterium sp. Drug Targets: A Comprehensive Review

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains a threat to mankind, with over a billion of deaths in the last two centuries. Recent advancements in science have contributed to an understanding of Mtb pathogenesis and developed effective control tools, including effective drugs to control the global pandemic. However, the emergence of drug resistant Mtb strains has seriously affected the TB eradication program around the world. There is, therefore, an urgent need to develop new drugs for TB treatment, which has grown researchers’ interest in small molecule-based drug designing and development. The small molecules-based treatments hold significant potential to overcome drug resistance and even provide opportunities for multimodal therapy. In this context, various natural and synthetic flavonoids were reported for the effective treatment of TB. In this review, we have summarized the recent advancement in the understanding of Mtb pathogenesis and the importance of both natural and synthetic flavonoids against Mtb infection studied using in vitro and in silico methods. We have also included flavonoids that are able to inhibit the growth of non-tubercular mycobacterial organisms. Hence, understanding the therapeutic properties of flavonoids can be useful for the future treatment of TB.

Synthesis and Assessment of the In Vitro and Ex Vivo Activity of Salicylate Synthase (Mbti) Inhibitors as New Candidates for the Treatment of Mycobacterial Infections

Tuberculosis (TB) causes millions of deaths every year, ranking as one of the most dangerous infectious diseases worldwide. Because several pathogenic strains of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) have developed resistance against most of the established anti-TB drugs, new therapeutic options are urgently needed. An attractive target for the development of new anti-TB agents is the salicylate synthase MbtI, the first enzyme of the mycobacterial siderophore biochemical machinery, absent in human cells. In this work, a set of analogues of 5-(3-cyanophenyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (I), the most potent MbtI inhibitor identified to date, was synthesized, characterized, and tested to further elucidate the structural requirements for achieving an efficient MbtI inhibition and potent antitubercular activity. The structure–activity relationships (SAR) discussed herein evidenced the importance of the side chain linked to the phenyl moiety to improve the in vitro antimycobacterial activity. In detail, 1f emerged as the most effective analogue against the pathogen, acting without cytotoxicity issues. To deepen the understanding of its mechanism of action, we established a fluorescence-based screening test to quantify the pathogen infectivity within host cells, using MPI-2 murine cells, a robust surrogate for alveolar macrophages. The set-up of the new assay demonstrates significant potential to accelerate the discovery of new anti-TB drugs.

Tuberculosis Phenotypic and Genotypic Drug Susceptibility Testing and Immunodiagnostics: A Review

Tuberculosis (TB), considered an ancient disease, is still killing one person every 21 seconds. Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) still has many challenges, especially in low and middle-income countries with high burden disease rates. Over the last two decades, the amount of drug-resistant (DR)-TB cases has been increasing, from mono-resistant (mainly for isoniazid or rifampicin resistance) to extremely drug resistant TB. DR-TB is problematic to diagnose and treat, and thus, needs more resources to manage it. Together with+ TB clinical symptoms, phenotypic and genotypic diagnosis of TB includes a series of tests that can be used on different specimens to determine if a person has TB, as well as if the M.tb strain+ causing the disease is drug susceptible or resistant. Here, we review and discuss advantages and disadvantages of phenotypic vs. genotypic drug susceptibility testing for DR-TB, advances in TB immunodiagnostics, and propose a call to improve deployable and low-cost TB diagnostic tests to control the DR-TB burden, especially in light of the increase of the global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance, and the potentially long term impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disruption on TB programs.

Panorama of Bacterial Infections Caused by Epidemic Resistant Strains

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical obstacle to public health worldwide, due to the high incidence of strains resistant to available antibiotic therapies. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of resistant epidemic strains, associated with this, public health authorities have been alarmed about a possible scenario of uncontrolled dissemination of these microorganisms and the difficulty in interrupting their transmission, as nosocomial pathogens with resistance profiles previously considered sporadic. They become frequent bacteria in the community. In addition, therapy for infections caused by these pathogens is based on broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, which favors an increase in the tolerance of remaining bacterial cells and is commonly associated with a poor prognosis. In this review, we present the current status of epidemic strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), and—New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NDM).

Fluorescently labelled thioacetazone for detecting the interaction with Mycobacterium dehydratases HadAB and HadBC

Thioacetazone (TAC) used to be a highly affordable, bacteriostatic anti-TB drug but its use has now been restricted, owing to severe side-effects and the frequent appearance of the TAC resistant M. tuberculosis strains. In order to develop new TAC analogues with fewer side-effects, its target enzymes need to be firmly established. It is now hypothesized that TAC, after being activated by a monooxygenase EthA, binds to the dehydratase complex HadAB that finally leads to a covalent modification of HadA, the main partner involved in dehydration. Another dehydratase enzyme, namely HadC in the HadBC complex, is also thought to be a possible target for TAC, for which definitive evidence is lacking. Herein, using a recently exploited azido naphthalimide template attached to thioacetazone and adopting a photo-affinity based labelling technique, coupled with electrophoresis and in-gel visualization, we have successfully demonstrated the involvement of these enzymes including HadBC along with a possible participation of an alternate mycobacterial monooxygenase MymA. In silico studies also revealed strong interactions between the TAC-probe and the concerned enzymes.

Tuberculosis drug discovery: Progression and future interventions in the wake of emerging resistance

The emergence of drug resistance continues to afflict TB control where drug resistant strains have become a global health concern. Contrary to drug-sensitive TB, the treatment of MDR/XDR-TB is more complicated requiring the administration of second-line drugs that are inefficient than the first line drugs and are associated with greater side effects. The emergence of drug resistant Mtb strains had coincided with an innovation void in the field of drug discovery of anti-mycobacterials. However, the approval of bedaquiline and delamanid recently for use in MDR/XDR-TB has given an impetus to the TB drug discovery. The review discusses the drug discovery efforts in the field of tuberculosis with a focus on the strategies adopted and challenges confronted by TB research community. Here, we discuss the diverse clinical candidates in the current TB drug discovery pipeline. There is an urgent need to combat the current TB menace through multidisciplinary approaches and strategies making use of the recent advances in understanding the molecular biology and pathogenesis of Mtb. The review highlights the recent advances in drug discovery, with the host directed therapeutics and nanoparticles-drug delivery coming up as important tools to fight tuberculosis in the future.

Screening approaches and therapeutic targets: The two driving wheels of tuberculosis drug discovery

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease, infecting a quarter of world's population. Drug resistant TB further exacerbates the grim scenario of the drying TB drug discovery pipeline. The limited arsenal to fight TB presses the need for thorough efforts for identifying promising hits to combat the disease. The review highlights the efforts in the field of tuberculosis drug discovery, with an emphasis on massive drug screening campaigns for identifying novel hits against Mtb in both industry and academia. As an intracellular pathogen, mycobacteria reside in a complicated intracellular environment with multiple factors at play. Here, we outline various strategies employed in an effort to mimic the intracellular milieu for bringing the screening models closer to the actual settings. The review also focuses on the novel targets and pathways that could aid in target-based drug discovery in TB. The recent high throughput screening efforts resulting in the identification of potent hits against Mtb has been summarized in this article. There is a pressing need for effective screening strategies and approaches employing innovative tools and recent technologies; including nanotechnology, gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-cas system, host-directed bacterial killing and high content screening to augment the TB drug discovery pipeline with safer and shorter drug regimens.