ArticleCommunications biology2025
Unraveling the mechanisms behind the enhanced efficacy of β-lactam-based sideromycins.
Article in Communications biology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Trojan Horses: Conjugating Siderophores and Antibiotics-A New Approach to TreatingMicroorganisms · 2026Review
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
Abstract
Previous studies have explored combining β-lactams with siderophores to create Trojan horse molecules that can penetrate the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria via TonB-dependent transporter (TBDT). While the main advantage explaining their enhanced antibiotic activity is believed to be improved membrane permeability, other factors remain underexplored. This study evaluates three siderophore-β-lactam compounds: a bis-catechol siderophore linked to ampicillin or loracarbef, and a mixed bis-catechol-mono-hydroxamate siderophore linked to cefaclor. Minimal inhibitory concentrations showed that siderophore conjugation could enhance β-lactam efficacy by over 8000-fold. Comparison with unconjugated β-lactams revealed a complex interplay between β-lactamase susceptibility, competition with endogenous siderophore, membrane uptake, and binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Enhanced PBP binding, particularly in Escherichia coli, emerged as a key factor contributing to improved bacterial inhibition by siderophore-β-lactam conjugates. Overall, the study provides insights into how siderophore conjugation enhances β-lactam activity and the therapeutic potential of the conjugates as narrow or broad-spectrum antibiotics.
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Registered trials
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