Could rewiring macrophage metabolism make TB treatments shorter?
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Indian researchers discovered that manipulating macrophage metabolism using the drug meclizine could make tuberculosis (TB) bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics.
Background
The study identified that Mtb bacteria use oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) or glycolysis depending on oxidative stress levels. The regulatory molecule NRF2 was found to support drug-tolerant niches for Mtb. Meclizine, an over-the-counter nausea drug, was found to shift macrophages toward glycolysis to improve treatment efficacy.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TMacrophages: Immune cells that fight tuberculosis (TB) and whose metabolism can be manipulated for therapy.
- FactNRF2: A regulatory molecule identified by Indian researchers that boosts antioxidant responses and supports drug-tolerant niches for Mtb.
- S&TMeclizine: An over-the-counter drug used for nausea that can shift macrophage metabolism toward glycolysis to increase Mtb susceptibility.
- S&TOXPHOS vs Glycolysis: Metabolic pathways used by Mtb bacteria within macrophages depending on oxidative stress levels.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the potential of host-directed therapies in addressing the growing challenge of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Metabolic reprogramming: Shifting macrophage pathways to eliminate bacterial drug-tolerant niches
- Combination therapy: Integrating over-the-counter drugs with standard antibiotics to reduce treatment duration
- Resistance mitigation: Reducing the selection pressure for antibiotic-resistant strains through host-cell manipulation
Keywords: Host-directed therapy · Metabolic reprogramming · Antibiotic resistance · Oxidative phosphorylation · Glycolysis · Immunometabolism
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