Small Molecule Inhibitors of Clostridium difficile Toxin B-Induced Cellular Damage

Article Small Molecule Inhibitors of Clostridium difficile Toxin B-Induced Cellular Damage Highlights d Two homologous toxins, TcdA and TcdB, cause the symptoms of C. difficile disease d A phenotypic assay of toxin-induced damage of human cells was developed d Small molecule inhibitors blocking host processes and toxin action are identified d Inhibitors uncover new disease biology and inform novel therapeutic strategies Authors John Tam, Greg L. Beilhartz, ..., Alex G. Therien, Roman A. Melnyk Correspondence [email protected] In Brief Targeting the potent homologous toxins of Clostridium difficile is a promising therapeutic approach to treat the symptoms associated with infection. Tam et al. describe the identification of the first small molecule inhibitors that protect human cells by blocking receptor binding and directly inhibiting toxin enzyme activity. Tam et al., 2015, Chemistry & Biology 22, 175–185 February 19, 2015 ª2015 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.12.010

Small Molecule Inhibitors of Clostridium difficile Toxin B-Induced Cellular Damage

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