Antibiotic resistance: discovery of new antimicrobial targets

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium that infects the stomachs of half the world's population, causing chronic gastritis, ulcers, and even stomach cancer. While current treatments combine antibiotics with acid-reducing drugs, their effectiveness has declined due to increasing antibiotic resistance. This project aims to identify and validate novel targets for developing alternative therapies against H. pylori infections. We have identified several promising targets and will: 1. Determine the antimicrobial activity of their inhibitors (substances that block their function); 2. Study the structure-activity relationship (how chemical structure affects biological activity) of these inhibitors; 3. Assess the likelihood of H. pylori developing resistance to these inhibitors; By exploring these new targets, we hope to pave the way for more effective and sustainable treatments against this widespread bacterial infection, which, if left untreated, can lead to the development of stomach cancer.