Pathogenic Salmonella infects the cells of the gastrointestinal tract by injecting effector proteins. This can lead to serious gastrointestinal inflammation and systemic infections if the bacteria are ingested through contaminated food.

An international research team discovered a substance called C26 that can prevent this infection process early on. This synthetic substance inhibits the injection of effector proteins and could potentially be used as a drug to combat Salmonella infections. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

Due to the resistance of Salmonella to antibiotics, alternative treatments like pathoblockers are necessary. C26 specifically targets the infectious mechanisms of Salmonella and prevents the bacteria from penetrating tissues early on.

C26 disrupts the entry of Salmonella into host cells by targeting a central regulator named HilD. The substance fits into a druggable pocket within HilD, which stops the infection process. Tests have shown that C26 interferes with the pathogenicity of Salmonella inside host immune cells.

Research is ongoing to develop C26 into a potential drug for treating Salmonella infections in both humans and animals, particularly in poultry. Unlike antibiotics, pathoblockers like C26 are expected to have a specific effect on the pathogen without negative effects on the body’s microbiome.

Targeting the central regulator

Salmonella uses regulators like HilD to enter host cells in the gastrointestinal tract. HilD plays a key role in this process, and researchers have identified it as a target for new drug candidates like C26.

C26 interferes with the function of HilD by fitting into a specific pocket within the regulator, disrupting the infection process. Testing has shown that C26 can effectively disrupt the pathogenicity of Salmonella.

The research team is currently working on developing C26 further as a potential treatment for Salmonella infections while ensuring it has no negative effects on the body’s microbiome.