Structure-based development of N-Arylindole derivatives as Pks13 inhibitors against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Targeting the biosynthetic pathway of mycolic acid is highly attractive to researchers in the field of novel anti-tubercular drug development. Pks13-TE is an essential catalytic component in the last assembling step of mycolic acid, and the co-crystal structures of the Pks13-TE-inhibitor complex provide insight into ligand recognition. Based on a structure-guided strategy, N-aryl indole derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antitubercular activities.

Total Syntheses of Cyclomarin and Metamarin Natural Products.

The first total synthesis of the heptapeptide Cyclomarin A (CymA) was achieved via new routes to chiral amino acid building blocks (highlighted) and solid-phase peptide synthesis. A structurally misassigned epimer of CymA (CymA'), Cyclomarin C, and Metamarin were also synthesized. Affirmation of the syntheses was corroborated by observations that the synthetic molecules have antimicrobial activities mirroring those of the natural products.

Pathogenesis of Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease: Defining Knowledge Gaps and Research Priorities at the Second International Post-Tuberculosis Symposium.

Post-tuberculosis (post-TB) lung disease is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the global burden of chronic lung disease, with recent estimates indicating that over half of TB survivors have impaired lung function after successful completion of TB treatment. However, the pathologic mechanisms that contribute to post-TB lung disease are not well understood, thus limiting the development of therapeutic interventions to improve long-term outcomes after TB. This report summarizes the work of the Pathogenesis and Risk Factors Committee for the Second International Post-Tuberculosis Symposium, which took place in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in April 2023.

A modified BCG with depletion of enzymes associated with peptidoglycan amidation induces enhanced protection against tuberculosis in mice.

Mechanisms by which (Mtb) evades pathogen recognition receptor activation during infection may offer insights for the development of improved tuberculosis (TB) vaccines. Whilst Mtb elicits NOD-2 activation through host recognition of its peptidoglycan-derived muramyl dipeptide (MDP), it masks the endogenous NOD-1 ligand through amidation of glutamate at the second position in peptidoglycan side-chains. As the current BCG vaccine is derived from pathogenic mycobacteria, a similar situation prevails.