Design, synthesis, and evaluation of compounds capable of reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence

摘要

Anti-virulence approaches in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)-induced infections have shown clinical potential in multiple in vitro and in vivo studies. However, development of these compounds is limited by several factors, including the lack of molecules capable of penetrating the membrane of gram-negative organisms. Here, we report the identification of novel structurally diverse compounds that inhibit PqsR and LasR-based signaling and diminish virulence factor production and biofilm growth in two clinically relevant strains of P. aeruginosa. It is the first report where potential antivirulent agents were evaluated for inhibition of several virulence factors of PA. Finally, co-treatment with these inhibitors significantly reduced the production of virulence factors induced by the presence of subinhibitory levels of ciprofioxacin. Further, we have analyzed the drug-likeness profile of designed compounds using quantitative estimates of drug-likeness (QED) and confirmed their potential as hit molecules for further development. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.