Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits Francisella tularensis growth and suppresses the function of DNA-binding protein HU

• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.105999
• Publication Date: 2023-01-24T01:37:57Z
• Authors: Pavla Pavlik; Petr Jost; Pavel Rehulka; Vera Vozandychova; Marek Link; Petra Spidlova
• Keywords: Tularemia; Attenuated vaccine

Francisella tularensis is a highly infectious intracellular bacterium causing tularemia disease and regarded as potential biological weapon. The development of vaccine, effective treatment, or prophylactic substances targeted against in the forefront interest could help to prevent mitigate possible malevolent acts by bioterrorism utilizing F. tularensis. viability tularensis, thus outbreak, might potentially be suppressed simple commonly available natural substances. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) contained green tea its antimicrobial effect has been described. Here, we show that EGCG can suppress growth able reduce bacterium's ability replicate inside mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) without side effects on BMMs' own viability. We suggest one (but not only) mechanism action. demonstrate block main functions HU protein, important regulator virulence, leading overall attenuation delay death mice infected used agent disease. Postponing up 2 days provide sufficient opportunity administer another treatment agent.