title: Three decades of beta-lactamase inhibitors.
abstract: Since the introduction of penicillin, beta-lactam antibiotics have been the antimicrobial agents of choice. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these life-saving antibiotics is significantly threatened by bacterial beta-lactamases. beta-Lactamases are now responsible for resistance to penicillins, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems. In order to overcome beta-lactamase-mediated resistance, beta-lactamase inhibitors (clavulanate, sulbactam, and tazobactam) were introduced into clinical practice. These inhibitors greatly enhance the efficacy of their partner beta-lactams (amoxicillin, ampicillin, piperacillin, and ticarcillin) in the treatment of serious Enterobacteriaceae and penicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections. However, selective pressure from excess antibiotic use accelerated the emergence of resistance to beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Furthermore, the prevalence of clinically relevant beta-lactamases from other classes that are resistant to inhibition is rapidly increasing. There is an urgent need for effective inhibitors that can restore the activity of beta-lactams. Here, we review the catalytic mechanisms of each beta-lactamase class. We then discuss approaches for circumventing beta-lactamase-mediated resistance, including properties and characteristics of mechanism-based inactivators. We next highlight the mechanisms of action and salient clinical and microbiological features of beta-lactamase inhibitors. We also emphasize their therapeutic applications. We close by focusing on novel compounds and the chemical features of these agents that may contribute to a "second generation" of inhibitors. The goal for the next 3 decades will be to design inhibitors that will be effective for more than a single class of beta-lactamases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Drawz
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bonomo
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D018440:beta-Lactam Resistance; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; D001618:beta-Lactamases