Intracellular growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: prospects for drug discovery

The success of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the infectious agent of tuberculosis (TB), lies in its
ability to primarily infect, reside, and multiply in the lungs of patients. Mtb infects white blood cells termed
alveolar macrophages and hides from the host immune response as well as from many antibiotics used
for treatment, creating additional challenges for anti-TB drug discovery. With the increasing prevalence of
multi- and extremely- drug-resistant tuberculosis in several countries, there is a pressing need for new
drugs against Mtb. The objective of this study is to progress through pre-clinical development a series of lead compounds against Mtb found to be highly effective within human macrophage. We will decipher the
compound’s mode of action and try to understand the basis for these compound’s exhibition of greater
potency against Mtb inside the macrophages. The results of this project can be used to identify novel
compounds in the treatment against tuberculosis in Canada and worldwide, fulfilling the mission of our
partner organization, B.C. Lung Association. Additionally, the path to developing a new drug against
tuberculosis can be expedited to clinical trials through our company partner, Novateur.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yossef Av-Gay

Student:

Partner:

British Columbia Lung Association;Novateur Ventures Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: