Discovery of Wall Teichoic Acid Inhibitors as Potential Anti-MRSA β-Lactam Combination Agents

SummaryInnovative strategies are needed to combat drug resistance associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Here, we investigate the potential of wall teichoic acid (WTA) biosynthesis inhibitors as combination agents to restore β-lactam efficacy against MRSA. Performing a whole-cell pathway-based screen, we identified a series of WTA inhibitors (WTAIs) targeting the WTA transporter protein, TarG. Whole-genome sequencing of WTAI-resistant isolates across two methicillin-resistant Staphylococci spp. revealed TarG as their common target, as well as a broad assortment of drug-resistant bypass mutants mapping to earlier steps of WTA biosynthesis. Extensive in vitro microbiological analysis and animal infection studies provide strong genetic and pharmacological evidence of the potential effectiveness of WTAIs as anti-MRSA β-lactam combination agents. This work also highlights the emerging role of whole-genome sequencing in antibiotic mode-of-action and resistance studies.

► Staphylococcus aureus wall teichoic acid (WTA) as potential therapeutic target
► WTA inhibitors are efficacious against MRSA and MRSE
► Whole-genome analysis of WTA inhibitor-resistant mutants
► WTA inhibitor-β-lactam combination reduces frequency of resistance