抗菌アジュバント：既存抗菌薬の活性を増強させる化合物の探索と創製

抄録

Following the discovery of the world's first antibiotic, penicillin, by Alexander Fleming in 1928, there was a time when numerous antimicrobials were developed, and it appeared as if humanity had conquered bacterial infections. However, the use of antimicrobials and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria have led to repetitive cycles, resembling a cat-and-mouse game, and bacterial infections continue to pose a global public health threat. In the 2000s, when the development of novel antimicrobials stagnated, the battle between humans and bacteria tilted in favor of rapidly evolving multidrug-resistant bacteria. According to the latest epidemiological study, it was estimated that approximately 1.27 million people worldwide died from antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in 2019. This number surpasses the deaths caused by malaria and HIV infections, thus being internationally recognized with significant impact. Here, I will provide the overview of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in clinically relevant bacterial pathogens as well as discuss our research and development of antimicrobial adjuvants that enhance the activity of existing antimicrobials.