New Molecule Disarms Harmful Bacteria While Preserving Gut Microbiota.

A groundbreaking discovery by a team of multidisciplinary researchers, coordinated by INRAE in partnership with CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, and Inserm, has identified a molecule capable of neutralizing pathogenic bacteria without disrupting the host's beneficial microbiota. This innovative approach could pave the way for a new generation of targeted therapies to fight antibiotic resistance, a mounting global health concern.

Antibiotic resistance currently claims approximately 5 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization, and could become the leading cause of death by 2050. Traditional antibiotics, while lifesaving, have been widely overused and tend to indiscriminately target both harmful and beneficial bacteria, often leading to unintended consequences for the host microbiota and the development of resistant strains.

The INRAE team focused on the mutation frequency decline (Mfd) protein, a virulence factor common to all bacteria. This protein not only helps bacteria evade the host immune system but also facilitates spontaneous genetic mutations, which enhance their ability to develop resistance. Targeting this protein offered a novel strategy to weaken bacterial defenses without killing them directly.

Screening a library of five million compounds, the researchers identified NM102, a molecule that binds specifically to the Mfd protein and inhibits its function. Laboratory tests, followed by in vivo experiments in insect and mouse models, revealed three key benefits of NM102: it does not kill bacteria unless triggered by immune-related toxic compounds, it significantly lowers pathogenic bacterial counts in infected tissues without disturbing the host’s microbiota, and it impairs the mutation-driving activity of Mfd, reducing the chance of resistance development.

Importantly, NM102 was also effective against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains found in hospital settings, underscoring its therapeutic potential in clinical environments where current treatments often fail.

To support its future use in medicine, researchers have encapsulated NM102 in biodegradable nanoparticles to improve delivery and stability. Two patents have already been secured—one covering the identification of Mfd as a drug target and the other protecting the molecule itself. Work is now underway in collaboration with the CEA to refine the molecule’s chemistry and advance the development of new antimicrobial drugs based on this approach.

This discovery marks a significant step forward in the global fight against antibiotic resistance, offering a precise and microbiota-preserving alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-04-molecule-pathogenic-bacteria-beneficial-microbes.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.