A small molecule library screen for compounds that disable the function of the Legionella Type IV secretion system, a major virulence system

Authors

• E Cheng
• D Dorjsuren
• A Simeonov
• MP Machner

Abstract

Type IV secretion systems (T4SS) are sophisticated translocation machines that enable pathogenic bacteria to deliver their effector proteins into infected host cells. The effectors rewire host cell signaling cascades to facilitate growth and survival of the pathogen. The recent emergence of drug-resistant pathogens is a cause of great concern that calls for the development of novel therapeutic approaches and more efficient drug candidates. At the same time, evidence is mounting that antibiotic treatments can have a lasting impact on the composition and homeostasis of the human microbiome, our symbiotic bacterial collective. The goal of this project is to find compounds that selectively target pathogenic bacteria by inhibiting their T4SS to prevent delivery of their effector proteins into host cells.

Scientific Focus Area: Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

This page was last updated on Friday, March 26, 2021