Subtractive proteo-genomics and model-based druggability analyses prioritized nitrate reductase-A subunit-α as potential therapeutic target against MDR pneumonia; a homology-based approach.

backgroundBacterial pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection that damages the lungs, representing one of the most serious public health problems worldwide due to its morbidity and mortality across all age groups. The challenge is further exacerbated by emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae, making pneumonia treatment increasingly difficult due to the persistent spread of antimicrobial resistance. Consequently, it is crucial to explore novel therapeutic targets to treat multidrug-resistant pneumonia.

resultsThe current study is based on comprehensive analyses of proteo-genomics data from multidrug-resistant leading pneumonia pathogens. Its aim is to identify promising alternative anti-pneumonia drug targets. The analyses have identified 21 druggable targets enriched in pathogen-specific essential metabolic pathways, showing significant druggable potential. Among these, the nitrate reductase-A subunit-α have been prioritized as a new drug target, as there were no literature reports available about its druggability potential. Downstream analyses, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, virtual screening, and ADME analyses, predicted several potent druggable inhibitors against nitrate reductase-A subunit-α. Notably, aripiprazole and mirabegron, both established drugs from the DrugRep resource, were predicted as lead inhibitors of nitrate reductase-A subunit-α.

conclusionThe current study prioritizes several druggable targets against MDR pneumonia, including the nitrate reductase-A subunit-α as a potential alternative target for developing novel anti-pneumonia therapies.