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:

Gagandeep Narula

Partner:

Novateur Ventures Inc

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of British Columbia