The research team at the New England Regional Center of Vector-borne Diseases (NEWVEC) discovered that a technique that has shown promise in targeting cancer tumors could also be lethal to bacteria and other pathogens, including the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. This technique involves the use of a molecular warhead that can annihilate the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi.
Mechanism of Action
The researchers found that the HtpG inhibitor, armed with a photosensitive drug, was rapidly absorbed into the cells of the Lyme bacteria. When hit with light, the bacteria’s cells went into disarray and ultimately collapsed, killing them. This approach has the potential to target not only bacteria but also fungi such as yeast and viruses.