AMPK activation as host-directed therapy to improve tuberculosis treatment: Computational characterization and prediction of intracellular pharmacology
Rob van Wijk (LACDR, Leiden University) and Robin van den Biggelaar (LUCID, LUMC) have been awarded a €10,000 euro KIEM grant from Leiden University to start an interdisciplinary collaboration to investigate the potential of AMPK activation as an adjunctive therapy to enhance tuberculosis treatment.
Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, in part due to the ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to persist within macrophages. Previous research suggests that activation of host AMPK using small molecule drugs metformin and GW296115X has potential in enhancing the ability of macrophages to control the infection. The aim of the project is to build a computational pharmacological model from in vitro data using human macrophages infected with a bioluminescent reporter strain of Mtb. This model will be used to predict how AMPK activation influences the dynamics of Mtb infection and to facilitate translation into clinical application. Ultimately, the goal is to identify strategies that could shorten treatment durations, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance in TB.
Image credit: NIAID
