QseC Antagonists

QseC Antagonists

A number of bacterial pathogens recognize their human host environment by detecting certain host-specific molecules. Once detected, pathogenesis initiates, toxins are made, and disease begins.

Blocking this sensing mechanism and the resulting pathogenesis is an attractive strategy to counter disease caused by a number of important gram negative pathogens.

Such pathogens sense their human host environment by a receptor called "QseC" that is activated by human hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Qsec inhibitors:

	•	block pathogenesis of certain Gram-negative bacteria
	•	should be active against multiple drug resistant strains
	•	affect a key pathogen receptor (unlikely to be affected by weaponization or deletion), and
	•	pre-screening for pathogen toxicity minimizes development of resistance