Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors as Novel Drugs against Mycobacterial β-Carbonic Anhydrases: An Update on In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

molecules Review Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors as Novel Drugs against Mycobacterial β-Carbonic Anhydrases: An Update on In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Ashok Aspatwar 1,* , Jean-Yves Winum 2, Fabrizio Carta 3, Claudiu T. Supuran 3, Milka Hammaren 1, Mataleena Parikka 1,4 and Seppo Parkkila 1,5 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, 33014 Tampere, Finland; [email protected] (M.H.); [email protected] (M.P.); [email protected] (S.P.) 2Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM) UMR 5247 CNRS, ENSCM, Universitéde Montpellier, 34296 Montpellier CEDEX 05, France; [email protected] 3 Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Universitàdegli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy; [email protected] (F.C.); [email protected] (C.T.S.) 4Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland 5Fimlab Ltd. and Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland *Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +35-846-596-2117 Received: 23 October 2018; Accepted: 6 November 2018; Published: 8 November 2018   Abstract: Mycobacteria cause a variety of diseases, such as tuberculosis, leprosy, and opportunistic diseases in immunocompromised people. The treatment of these diseases is problematic, necessitating the development of novel treatment strategies. Recently, β -carbonic anhydrases ( β -CAs) have emerged as potential drug targets in mycobacteria. The genomes of mycobacteria encode for three β -CAs that have been cloned and characterized from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and the crystal structures of two of the enzymes have been determined. Different classes of inhibitor molecules against Mtb β -CAs have subsequently been designed and have been shown to inhibit these mycobacterial enzymes in vitro . The inhibition of these centrally important mycobacterial enzymes leads to reduced growth of mycobacteria, lower virulence, and impaired biofilm formation. Thus, the inhibition of β -CAs could be a novel approach for developing drugs against the severe diseases caused by pathogenic mycobacteria. In the present article, we review the data related to in vitro and in vivo inhibition studies in the field. Keywords: mycobacterial diseases; β-carbonic anhydrases; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; drug targets; carbonic anhydrase inhibitors; in vivo inhibition; in vitro inhibition 1. Introduction Mycobacteria are rod-shaped, non-motile, and acid-fast bacteria that contain a high amount of G + C in their genome [ 1 , 2 ]. The genus mycobacterium includes a variety of clinically relevant human pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the main causative agent of human tuberculosis (TB). A group of closely related bacteria referred to as the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) composes of a variety of pathogens causing TB in humans and other mammals. These include M. tuberculosis,M. bovis,M. caprae,M. africanum,M. canettii, M. microti,M. orygis, and M. pinnipedii [ 3 ]. Mtb is typically transmitted through air by a droplet contact. Mtb can affect many organs in humans, but the main target organ is the lung, causing pulmonary TB in 80% of the patients. In 2017, 10 million new cases were diagnosed [ 4 ]. In addition to the diagnosed active Mtb infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 23% of the world’s population has developed a latent TB [ 4 ], which is asymptomatic but can become reactivated and cause a difficult-to-treat and potentially lethal disease. Molecules 2018,23, 2911; doi:10.3390/molecules23112911 www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules Molecules 2018,23, 2911 2 of 14 Mtb is currently one of the deadliest bacteria killing 1.3 million people every year. Multi-drug-resistant strains of Mtb are on the rise making TB increasingly difficult to treat. This development poses an enormous global threat necessitating immediate action to find new ways to treat this devastating disease [4]. Leprosy is another example of a clinically relevant mycobacterial disease. Leprosy is caused by M. leprae, which is transmitted through droplets due to close and frequent contact with untreated patients. As the multiplication rate of M. leprae is very slow, the incubation period of disease ranges between 1 and 20 years. The disease mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eye. If left untreated, the disease usually causes permanent tissue damage. In many developing countries, leprosy is still a serious health problem and the people suffering from the disease often face social problems that go hand in hand with the disease progression. The latest WHO report shows that there were 216,108 new leprosy cases in 145 countries from the 6 WHO regions [5]. The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) group includes all mycobacteria other than MTC and M. leprae, and about 40 species of them are pathogenic [ 6 ]. NTM are ubiquitously found in a wide variety of environmental reservoirs [ 7 , 8 ]. Although they are mostly nonpathogenic, they are important opportunistic pathogens of humans [ 9 ]. The species of NTM associated with human disease are: M. avium, M. intracellulare,M. kansasii,M. fortuitum,M. chelonae,M. szulgai,M. paratuberculosis, M. scrofulaceum [ 10 ] as well as bacteria belonging to the M. abscessus complex [ 11 ]. NTM can cause pulmonary disease resembling tuberculosis, lymphadenitis, and skin disease. The pulmonary disease represents about 80% of infections caused by NTM [ 12 ]. Recent reports suggest that the NTM pulmonary disease is increasing in several parts of the world [ 13 , 14 ]. However, standardized diagnostics and effective treatment protocols for NTM infections are lacking [15]. Genomes of many mycobacterial species from both MTC and NTM categories have been sequenced [ 16 – 20 ]. Bioinformatic and molecular analysis of mycobacterial genomes revealed that they code for several novel proteins that are essential for the alternative pathways and critical for the life cycle of these pathogens [ 21 – 23 ]. Recent progress in the structural and functional analyses of genomes and proteomes has opened new avenues for the design of mechanism-based drugs targeting proteins crucial for pathogenesis of mycobacteria [ 24 ]. Among many such proteins, β -carbonic anhydrases ( β -CAs) of mycobacteria could be possible targets for developing novel antimycobacterial agents with the potential to treat even infections caused by drug-resistant mycobacteria. M. tuberculosis genome codes for three β -CA genes Rv1284 ( β -CA1), Rv3588c ( β -CA2) and Rv3273 ( β -CA3) as shown in Table 1[ 25 ]. Database searches and our bioinformatic analyses showed the presence of all the three β -CAs in both NTM and MTC bacteria [ 26 – 30 ]. β -CAs catalyze the reversible hydration of CO 2 to HCO 3− and H + , thus generating a buffering weak base (bicarbonate) and a strong acid (H + ) [ 31 , 32 ]. Mycobacterial β -CAs are zinc-containing metalloenzymes with characteristics similar to many other bacterial β -CAs. All conserved amino acid residues typical of β -CAs and involved in the catalytic cycle, i.e., the four zinc-binding residues, Cys42, Asp44, His97 and Cys101 are shown in Figure 1. Table 1. Activity and inhibition properties of Mtb β-CAs compared to human CA II. CAs Gene ID Protein Kcat (s−1)Kcat/Km (M−1s−1)Activity KI(nM) aReference Mtb β-CA1 Rv1284 163 aa 3.9 ×1053.7 ×107Moderate 480 [27] Mtb β-CA2 Rv3588c 207 aa 9.8 ×1059.3 ×107High 9.8 [29] Mtb β-CA3 Rv3273 b215 aa 4.3 ×1054.0 ×107Moderate 104 [28] hCAII CA2 260 aa 1.4 ×1061.5 ×108Very high 12 [29] aInhibition using acetazolamide. bCA domain of β-CA3. Molecules 2018,23, 2911 3 of 14 Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 14 potentially lethal disease. Mtb is currently one of the deadliest bacteria killing 1.3 million people every year. Multi-drug-resistant strains of Mtb are on the rise making TB increasingly difficult to treat. This development poses an enormous global threat necessitating immediate action to find new ways to treat this devastating disease [4]. Leprosy is another example of a clinically relevant mycobacterial disease. Leprosy is caused by M. leprae, which is transmitted through droplets due to close and frequent contact with untreated patients. As the multiplication rate of M. leprae is very slow, the incubation period of disease ranges between 1 and 20 years. The disease mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eye. If left untreated, the disease usually causes permanent tissue damage. In many developing countries, leprosy is still a serious health problem and the people suffering from the disease often face social problems that go hand in hand with the disease progression. The latest WHO report shows that there were 216,108 new leprosy cases in 145 countries from the 6 WHO regions [5]. The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) group includes all mycobacteria other than MTC and M. leprae, and about 40 species of them are pathogenic [6]. NTM are ubiquitously found in a wide variety of environmental reservoirs [7,8]. Although they are mostly nonpathogenic, they are important opportunistic pathogens of humans [9]. The species of NTM associated with human disease are: M. avium, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, M. szulgai, M. paratuberculosis, M. scrofulaceum [10] as well as bacteria belonging to the M. abscessus complex [11]. NTM can cause pulmonary disease resembling tuberculosis, lymphadenitis, and skin disease. The pulmonary disease represents about 80% of infections caused by NTM [12]. Recent reports suggest that the NTM pulmonary disease is increasing in several parts of the world [13,14]. However, standardized diagnostics and effective treatment protocols for NTM infections are lacking [15]. Genomes of many mycobacterial species from both MTC and NTM categories have been sequenced [16–20]. Bioinformatic and molecular analysis of mycobacterial genomes revealed that they code for several novel proteins that are essential for the alternative pathways and critical for the life cycle of these pathogens [21–23]. Recent progress in the structural and functional analyses of genomes and proteomes has opened new avenues for the design of mechanism-based drugs targeting proteins crucial for pathogenesis of mycobacteria [24]. Among many such proteins, β-carbonic anhydrases (β-CAs) of mycobacteria could be possible targets for developing novel antimycobacterial agents with the potential to treat even infections caused by drug-resistant mycobacteria. M. tuberculosis genome codes for three β-CA genes Rv1284 (β-CA1), Rv3588c (β-CA2) and Rv3273 (β-CA3) as shown in Table 1 [25]. Database searches and our bioinformatic analyses showed the presence of all the three β-CAs in both NTM and MTC bacteria [26–30]. β-CAs catalyze the reversible hydration of CO2 to HCO3− and H+, thus generating a buffering weak base (bicarbonate) and a strong acid (H+) [31,32]. Mycobacterial β-CAs are zinc-containing metalloenzymes with characteristics similar to many other bacterial β-CAs. All conserved amino acid residues typical of βCAs and involved in the catalytic cycle, i.e., the four zinc-binding residues, Cys42, Asp44, His97 and Cys101 are shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Crystal Structure of Rv1284 ( β -CA1) from M. tuberculosis. ( A ) Structure of β -CA1 (1YLK) [ 22 ]. Coordination of the Zn(II) ion in the β -CA1 of Mtb. ( B ) Closed active site, with the Zn(II) ion (violet sphere) coordinated by a histidine, two cysteines and one aspartate residue. ( C ) Open active site, with three protein ligands coordinated to Zn(II); the aspartate makes a salt bridge with a conserved arginine residue in all β -CAs [ 22 , 29 ]. The images adapted from Covarrubias et al. https://www.rcsb.org/ structure/1YLK [22]. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. The mycobacterial β -CAs are essential during starvation for the growth and survival of the bacteria [ 22 , 23 , 33 , 34 ]. Recent studies showed that the bicarbonate ion, which is a product of reversible hydration of CO 2 , is essential for the transport of extracellular DNA (eDNA) and the formation of biofilm in NTM bacteria in vitro [ 35 ]. Inhibition of β -CAs using ethoxzolamide (EZA), a CA inhibitor, reduced the transport of eDNA and the formation of biofilm [ 35 ]. EZA also inhibited the PhoPR regulon, a two-component regulatory system in Mtb, as well as Esx-1 protein secretion system centrally important for the virulence of Mtb bacterium, and showed efficacy in infected macrophages and mice [ 36 ], suggesting that β -CAs perform very important roles in mycobacterial infections. Using M. marinum, an NTM model bacterium, we were the first to show that dithiocarbamate Fc14-584b, a β -CA inhibitor impairs mycobacterial growth in zebrafish larvae in vivo [ 26 ]. These essential enzymes are thus potential drug targets and are currently under investigation by several groups, including ours [ 26 – 29 , 35 – 39 ]. Similarly, several in vitro studies have shown that all the Mtb β -CAs could be efficiently (K I in nanomolar ranges) inhibited by sulfonamides/sulfamates (Table 1). In the present review, we update the data on in vitro and in vivo studies using CA inhibitors on mycobacterial β -CAs. 2. In Vitro Inhibition Studies of M. tuberculosis β-CAs 2.1. Sulfonamides as Inhibitors of M. tuberculosis β-CAs The cloning and characterization of the M. tuberculosis β -CAs were done in the 2000s and these enzymes were identified as novel drug targets for developing anti-TB agents [ 27 – 29 ]. β -CA1 was the first Mtb β -CA cloned and characterized and in the same study, the first in vitro inhibition studies were performed using a panel of sulfonamides, sulfamates and their derivatives [ 27 ]. For in vitro inhibition studies, the CO 2 hydration activity of β -CA1 was measured by applying Applied Photophysics stopped-flow instrument using phenol red as an indicator [ 27 ]. Among the tested sulfonamides, most of them inhibited the activity of β -CA1 in the range of 1–10 µ M. Many of the derivatives, including sulfanilyl-sulfonamides acetazolamide (ATZ) (1), methazolamide, dichlorophenamide, dorzolamide (DZA) (2), brinzolamide, benzolamide, and the sulfamate topiramate, exhibited sub-micromolar inhibition (K I values of 0.481–0.905 µ M) [ 27 ] (Table 2). Among the tested sulfonamides 3-bromosulfanilamide (3) and indisulam (4) inhibited the activity of β -CAs most efficiently (K I values of 97–186 nM) (Table 2and Figure 2). This was the first study to show that Mtb β -CA1 is a potential target for developing anti-TB drugs that have a different mechanism of action [ 27 ]. Several studies in vitro inhibition studies were performed using these inhibitor molecules Molecules 2018,23, 2911 4 of 14 on Mtb β -CA1 and human CA II that showed similar inhibition profiles suggesting reliability of the method used for the studies [29,39–45]. Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 14 Figure 2. Chemical structures of acetazolamide (1) (ATZ), dorzolamide (2) (DZA), 3bromosulfanilamide (3) and indisulam (4). Inhibition of Mtb β-CA2 was investigated using a series of diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5) that were derived from sulfanilamide or metanilamide (Table 2) [40]. To increase the inhibitory properties, new molecules were synthesized by diazotization of aminosulfonamide and by coupling with phenols or amines [29]. The molecules were subsequently incorporated with various R moieties in the molecule such as hydroxy, amino, methylamino and dimethylamino and sulfonate that may induce water solubility to these compounds as sodium salts. The aminomethylene sodium sulfonate derivatives and their corresponding N-methylated analogue showed the best inhibition constants (KIs of 45–59 nM) [29]. In these compounds, the para position had bulky substituent with respect to the sulfonyl moiety, suggesting that this strategy may be good in obtaining low nanomolar range inhibitors that are selective against Mtb β-CA2 [29]. In addition to Mtb β-CA1 and β-CA2, the diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5) were also tested for the inhibition of the Mtb β-CA3, and the prontosil (6) (Table 2 and Figure 3) was found to be the best inhibitor with inhibition constants in the range of (KIs) of 126–148 nM [39]. In another study, several compounds were studied for their inhibitory properties against Mtb β-CA3 and among them 2-amino-pyrimidin-4-yl-sulfanilamide (7) (KI 90 nM) and sulfonylated sulfonamide (KI of 170 nM) showed that Mtb CA3 can be successfully targeted using CAIs with a potential for developing agents targeting mycobacteria (Table 2) [28]. Figure 3. Chemical structures of diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5), prontosil (6) and 2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl-sulfanilamide (7). Inhibition studies on Mtb β-CA1 and β-CA3 using sulfonamides prepared by reaction of sulfanilamide with aryl/alkyl isocyanates (Ureido-sulfonamides) (8) have been carried out and the KIs were found to be in the range of 4.8–6500 nM and of 6.4–6850 nM, respectively (Table 2) [41]. Similarly, inhibition studies on all the three β-CAs of Mtb were performed using a number of halogenated sulfanilamides and halogenated benzolamide (9) derivatives that showed the efficacies of inhibition in the sub-micromolar to micromolar range (Table 2 and Figure 4). The inhibition range was dependent on the substitution pattern at the sulfanilamide moiety/fragment of the molecule. Best inhibitors were the halogenated benzolamides (KIs in the range of 0.12–0.45 µM), whereas the halogenated sulfanilamides were slightly less inhibitory (KIs in the range of 0.41–4.74 µM) [42]. Figure 2. Chemical structures of acetazolamide ( 1 ) (ATZ), dorzolamide ( 2 ) (DZA), 3-bromosulfanilamide (3) and indisulam (4). Inhibition of Mtb β -CA2 was investigated using a series of diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5) that were derived from sulfanilamide or metanilamide (Table 2) [ 40 ]. To increase the inhibitory properties, new molecules were synthesized by diazotization of aminosulfonamide and by coupling with phenols or amines [ 29 ]. The molecules were subsequently incorporated with various R moieties in the molecule such as hydroxy, amino, methylamino and dimethylamino and sulfonate that may induce water solubility to these compounds as sodium salts. The aminomethylene sodium sulfonate derivatives and their corresponding N-methylated analogue showed the best inhibition constants (K I s of 45–59 nM) [ 29 ]. In these compounds, the para position had bulky substituent with respect to the sulfonyl moiety, suggesting that this strategy may be good in obtaining low nanomolar range inhibitors that are selective against Mtb β -CA2 [ 29 ]. In addition to Mtb β -CA1 and β -CA2, the diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5) were also tested for the inhibition of the Mtb β -CA3, and the prontosil (6) (Table 2and Figure 3) was found to be the best inhibitor with inhibition constants in the range of (K I s) of 126–148 nM [ 39 ]. In another study, several compounds were studied for their inhibitory properties against Mtb β-CA3 and among them 2-amino-pyrimidin-4-yl-sulfanilamide (7) (K I 90 nM) and sulfonylated sulfonamide (K I of 170 nM) showed that Mtb CA3 can be successfully targeted using CAIs with a potential for developing agents targeting mycobacteria (Table 2) [28]. Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 14 Figure 2. Chemical structures of acetazolamide (1) (ATZ), dorzolamide (2) (DZA), 3bromosulfanilamide (3) and indisulam (4). Inhibition of Mtb β-CA2 was investigated using a series of diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5) that were derived from sulfanilamide or metanilamide (Table 2) [40]. To increase the inhibitory properties, new molecules were synthesized by diazotization of aminosulfonamide and by coupling with phenols or amines [29]. The molecules were subsequently incorporated with various R moieties in the molecule such as hydroxy, amino, methylamino and dimethylamino and sulfonate that may induce water solubility to these compounds as sodium salts. The aminomethylene sodium sulfonate derivatives and their corresponding N-methylated analogue showed the best inhibition constants (KIs of 45–59 nM) [29]. In these compounds, the para position had bulky substituent with respect to the sulfonyl moiety, suggesting that this strategy may be good in obtaining low nanomolar range inhibitors that are selective against Mtb β-CA2 [29]. In addition to Mtb β-CA1 and β-CA2, the diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5) were also tested for the inhibition of the Mtb β-CA3, and the prontosil (6) (Table 2 and Figure 3) was found to be the best inhibitor with inhibition constants in the range of (KIs) of 126–148 nM [39]. In another study, several compounds were studied for their inhibitory properties against Mtb β-CA3 and among them 2-amino-pyrimidin-4-yl-sulfanilamide (7) (KI 90 nM) and sulfonylated sulfonamide (KI of 170 nM) showed that Mtb CA3 can be successfully targeted using CAIs with a potential for developing agents targeting mycobacteria (Table 2) [28]. Figure 3. Chemical structures of diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5), prontosil (6) and 2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl-sulfanilamide (7). Inhibition studies on Mtb β-CA1 and β-CA3 using sulfonamides prepared by reaction of sulfanilamide with aryl/alkyl isocyanates (Ureido-sulfonamides) (8) have been carried out and the KIs were found to be in the range of 4.8–6500 nM and of 6.4–6850 nM, respectively (Table 2) [41]. Similarly, inhibition studies on all the three β-CAs of Mtb were performed using a number of halogenated sulfanilamides and halogenated benzolamide (9) derivatives that showed the efficacies of inhibition in the sub-micromolar to micromolar range (Table 2 and Figure 4). The inhibition range was dependent on the substitution pattern at the sulfanilamide moiety/fragment of the molecule. Best inhibitors were the halogenated benzolamides (KIs in the range of 0.12–0.45 µM), whereas the halogenated sulfanilamides were slightly less inhibitory (KIs in the range of 0.41–4.74 µM) [42]. Figure 3. Chemical structures of diazenylbenzenesulfonamides (5), prontosil (6) and 2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl-sulfanilamide (7). Inhibition studies on Mtb β -CA1 and β -CA3 using sulfonamides prepared by reaction of sulfanilamide with aryl/alkyl isocyanates (Ureido-sulfonamides) (8) have been carried out and the K I s were found to be in the range of 4.8–6500 nM and of 6.4–6850 nM, respectively (Table 2) [ 41 ]. Similarly, inhibition studies on all the three β -CAs of Mtb were performed using a number of halogenated sulfanilamides and halogenated benzolamide (9) derivatives that showed the efficacies of inhibition in the sub-micromolar to micromolar range (Table 2and Figure 4). The inhibition range was dependent on the substitution pattern at the sulfanilamide moiety/fragment of the molecule. Best inhibitors were the Molecules 2018,23, 2911 5 of 14 halogenated benzolamides (K I s in the range of 0.12–0.45 µ M), whereas the halogenated sulfanilamides were slightly less inhibitory (KIs in the range of 0.41–4.74 µM) [42]. Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 14 Figure 4. General chemical structures of ureido containing sulfonamides (8) and halogenated benzene sulfonamides (9). A new series of fluorine containing sulfonamides (Triazinyl sulfonamides) (10) that were incorporated with amino, amino alcohol and amino acid moieties were used for the inhibition of all the three β-CAs of Mtb [43] (Figure 5). Among the compounds tested, some of them inhibited β-CA2 efficiently with KI values in the nanomolar range and also with very good potency (KIs in submicromolar range) against β-CA1 and β-CA3 [43] (Table 2). In a recent study, novel sulfonamides were obtained from sulfanilamide, which was N4-alkylated with ethyl bromoacetate, followed by reaction with hydrazine hydrate and further reacted with various aromatic aldehydes [44]. The inhibition studies using these sulfonamides showed KIs in the range of 127 nM–2.12 µM for Mtb βCA3 [44]. Figure 5. General chemical structure of triazinyl sulfonamides (10). 2.2. Mono and Dithiocarbamates A series of N-monoand N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamates (DTCs) (11,12) have been tested for inhibition of β-CA1 and β-CA3 from Mtb (Table 2 and Figure 6) [45]. Both enzymes could be inhibited with sub-nanomolar to micromolar efficacies, depending on the substitution pattern at the nitrogen atom from the dithiocarbamate zinc-binding group. Aryl, arylalkyl-, heterocyclic as well as aliphatic and amino acyl moieties led to potent Mtb β-CA1 and β-CA3 inhibitors in both the N-monoand N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamate series [45]. Figure 6. Chemical structures of dithiocarbamates (11) and (12). 2.3. Phenolic Natural Products and Phenolic Acids Several studies have shown that sulfonamides inhibit the Mtb β-CAs efficiently as discussed above. Similarly, in an effort to discover novel inhibitors that could selectively inhibit β-CAs through novel mechanism of action, Supuran’s group screened a series of phenolic-based natural products (NPs) against the Mtb β-CAs [46]. Enzyme inhibition properties of 21 NP compounds were Figure 4. General chemical structures of ureido containing sulfonamides ( 8 ) and halogenated benzene sulfonamides (9). A new series of fluorine containing sulfonamides (Triazinyl sulfonamides) (10) that were incorporated with amino, amino alcohol and amino acid moieties were used for the inhibition of all the three β -CAs of Mtb [ 43 ] (Figure 5). Among the compounds tested, some of them inhibited β -CA2 efficiently with K I values in the nanomolar range and also with very good potency (K I s in sub-micromolar range) against β -CA1 and β -CA3 [ 43 ] (Table 2). In a recent study, novel sulfonamides were obtained from sulfanilamide, which was N4-alkylated with ethyl bromoacetate, followed by reaction with hydrazine hydrate and further reacted with various aromatic aldehydes [ 44 ]. The inhibition studies using these sulfonamides showed K I s in the range of 127 nM–2.12 µ M for Mtb β-CA3 [44]. Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 14 Figure 4. General chemical structures of ureido containing sulfonamides (8) and halogenated benzene sulfonamides (9). A new series of fluorine containing sulfonamides (Triazinyl sulfonamides) (10) that were incorporated with amino, amino alcohol and amino acid moieties were used for the inhibition of all the three β-CAs of Mtb [43] (Figure 5). Among the compounds tested, some of them inhibited β-CA2 efficiently with KI values in the nanomolar range and also with very good potency (KIs in submicromolar range) against β-CA1 and β-CA3 [43] (Table 2). In a recent study, novel sulfonamides were obtained from sulfanilamide, which was N4-alkylated with ethyl bromoacetate, followed by reaction with hydrazine hydrate and further reacted with various aromatic aldehydes [44]. The inhibition studies using these sulfonamides showed KIs in the range of 127 nM–2.12 µM for Mtb βCA3 [44]. Figure 5. General chemical structure of triazinyl sulfonamides (10). 2.2. Mono and Dithiocarbamates A series of N-monoand N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamates (DTCs) (11,12) have been tested for inhibition of β-CA1 and β-CA3 from Mtb (Table 2 and Figure 6) [45]. Both enzymes could be inhibited with sub-nanomolar to micromolar efficacies, depending on the substitution pattern at the nitrogen atom from the dithiocarbamate zinc-binding group. Aryl, arylalkyl-, heterocyclic as well as aliphatic and amino acyl moieties led to potent Mtb β-CA1 and β-CA3 inhibitors in both the N-monoand N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamate series [45]. Figure 6. Chemical structures of dithiocarbamates (11) and (12). 2.3. Phenolic Natural Products and Phenolic Acids Several studies have shown that sulfonamides inhibit the Mtb β-CAs efficiently as discussed above. Similarly, in an effort to discover novel inhibitors that could selectively inhibit β-CAs through novel mechanism of action, Supuran’s group screened a series of phenolic-based natural products (NPs) against the Mtb β-CAs [46]. Enzyme inhibition properties of 21 NP compounds were Figure 5. General chemical structure of triazinyl sulfonamides (10). 2.2. Mono and Dithiocarbamates A series of N-monoand N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamates (DTCs) (11,12) have been tested for inhibition of β -CA1 and β -CA3 from Mtb (Table 2and Figure 6) [ 45 ]. Both enzymes could be inhibited with sub-nanomolar to micromolar efficacies, depending on the substitution pattern at the nitrogen atom from the dithiocarbamate zinc-binding group. Aryl, arylalkyl-, heterocyclic as well as aliphatic and amino acyl moieties led to potent Mtb β -CA1 and β -CA3 inhibitors in both the N-monoand N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamate series [45]. Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 14 Figure 4. General chemical structures of ureido containing sulfonamides (8) and halogenated benzene sulfonamides (9). A new series of fluorine containing sulfonamides (Triazinyl sulfonamides) (10) that were incorporated with amino, amino alcohol and amino acid moieties were used for the inhibition of all the three β-CAs of Mtb [43] (Figure 5). Among the compounds tested, some of them inhibited β-CA2 efficiently with KI values in the nanomolar range and also with very good potency (KIs in submicromolar range) against β-CA1 and β-CA3 [43] (Table 2). In a recent study, novel sulfonamides were obtained from sulfanilamide, which was N4-alkylated with ethyl bromoacetate, followed by reaction with hydrazine hydrate and further reacted with various aromatic aldehydes [44]. The inhibition studies using these sulfonamides showed KIs in the range of 127 nM–2.12 µM for Mtb βCA3 [44]. Figure 5. General chemical structure of triazinyl sulfonamides (10). 2.2. Mono and Dithiocarbamates A series of N-monoand N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamates (DTCs) (11,12) have been tested for inhibition of β-CA1 and β-CA3 from Mtb (Table 2 and Figure 6) [45]. Both enzymes could be inhibited with sub-nanomolar to micromolar efficacies, depending on the substitution pattern at the nitrogen atom from the dithiocarbamate zinc-binding group. Aryl, arylalkyl-, heterocyclic as well as aliphatic and amino acyl moieties led to potent Mtb β-CA1 and β-CA3 inhibitors in both the N-monoand N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamate series [45]. Figure 6. Chemical structures of dithiocarbamates (11) and (12). 2.3. Phenolic Natural Products and Phenolic Acids Several studies have shown that sulfonamides inhibit the Mtb β-CAs efficiently as discussed above. Similarly, in an effort to discover novel inhibitors that could selectively inhibit β-CAs through novel mechanism of action, Supuran’s group screened a series of phenolic-based natural products (NPs) against the Mtb β-CAs [46]. Enzyme inhibition properties of 21 NP compounds were Figure 6. Chemical structures of dithiocarbamates (11) and (12). Molecules 2018,23, 2911 6 of 14 2.3. Phenolic Natural Products and Phenolic Acids Several studies have shown that sulfonamides inhibit the Mtb β -CAs efficiently as discussed above. Similarly, in an effort to discover novel inhibitors that could selectively inhibit β -CAs through novel mechanism of action, Supuran’s group screened a series of phenolic-based natural products (NPs) against the Mtb β -CAs [ 46 ]. Enzyme inhibition properties of 21 NP compounds were investigated against β -CAs of Mtb as well as against human α -CAs I and II for comparison. Sulfonamides that are used clinically inhibited human CAs efficiently (at nM range), whereas β -CAs required micromolar concentrations. In contrast, 8 and 7 of the 21 phenolic compounds had sub-micromolar affinity for β -CA1 and β -CA3, respectively. The selectivity of some compounds was significantly higher against β -CAs than human α -CAs (the inhibition range being 8 µ M to 430 µ M) [ 46 ]. These NPs are the first nonclassical CA inhibitors that are more potent against mycobacteria β -CAs compared to host CA enzymes, suggesting usefulness of NPs for targeting β -CA of Mtb [ 46 ]. In addition to natural phenolic products, a series of phenolic acids and their esters, derivatives of caffeic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids were tested against all the β -CAs of Mtb [ 47 ]. Among the screened compounds, esters 6–9 showed good inhibitory activity against all the Mtb β -CAs (K I s 1.87 Mm–7.05 µ M), whereas they showed no inhibitory activity against human CAI and CAII, suggesting that they could be potentially developed as anti-mycobacterial compounds [ 47 ]. Computational analysis of binding mode of the compounds suggested that the inhibitors anchor to the zinc-coordinated water molecule from the CA active site interfering with the nucleophilic attack of the zinc hydroxide on the substrate CO 2 [ 47 ]. These results provided insights into mechanism of inhibition of β -CAs, which may be valuable for developing new mycobacterial agents with a novel mechanism of action [47]. Table 2. Compounds that inhibit M. tuberculosis β -CAs at nM concentrations compared to inhibition of human CAII enzyme in vitro. CAIs hCAII β-CA1 β-CA2 β-CA3 Reference 3-bromosulfanilamide 40 186 NS NS [27] Diazenylbenzenesulfonamides 105 - 45–955 - [29] 2-amino-pyrimidin-4-yl-sulfanilamide 33 - NA 91 [28] Sulfonylated sulfonamide NS - - 170 [28] prontosil NS 126 148 [39] Halogenated benzolamides NS 120–580 410–450 170–340 [42] N-monoand N,N-dithiocarbamates 0.7–325 0.9–481 NA 0.91–431 [45] Ureido-sulfonamides 2.1–226 5–560 NA 6.4–533 [41] Cinnamoyl glycosides NS 140 130–640 - [48] Triazinyl Sulfonamides 4.9–5.5 42–580 8.1–10 2.1–210 [43] aAcetazolamide (ATZ) 12 481 9 104 [29] aEthoxzolamide (EZA) 8 - 594 27 [29] aDorzolamide (DZA) 9 744 99 137 [29] aIndisulam 15 97 NS NS [27] a Clinically, the most relevant or promising compounds that inhibit human CAs efficiently. NA—not assayed, NS–non-significant. In another study, inhibition profiles of series of C-cinnamoyl glycosides (13) containing the phenol moiety were investigated against the three β -CAs of Mtb [ 48 ] (Table 2and Figure 7). Among the compounds investigated, most of them (compounds 1 – 3 and 5 – 7 ) inhibited Mtb β -CA2 at nanomolar concentrations (K I 130-640 nM), and for Mtb β -CA1 (compounds 5 and 6 ) the K I range was between 140–930 nM and showed preference for β -CA1 over human CAII. Only one compound inhibited Mtb β-CA1 at nanomolar quantities (KI140 nM) over human CAII [48]. Molecules 2018,23, 2911 7 of 14 Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 14 investigated against β-CAs of Mtb as well as against human α-CAs I and II for comparison. Sulfonamides that are used clinically inhibited human CAs efficiently (at nM range), whereas β-CAs required micromolar concentrations. In contrast, 8 and 7 of the 21 phenolic compounds had submicromolar affinity for β-CA1 and β-CA3, respectively. The selectivity of some compounds was significantly higher against β-CAs than human α-CAs (the inhibition range being 8 µM to 430 µM) [46]. These NPs are the first nonclassical CA inhibitors that are more potent against mycobacteria βCAs compared to host CA enzymes, suggesting usefulness of NPs for targeting β-CA of Mtb [46]. In addition to natural phenolic products, a series of phenolic acids and their esters, derivatives of caffeic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids were tested against all the β-CAs of Mtb [47]. Among the screened compounds, esters 6–9 showed good inhibitory activity against all the Mtb β-CAs (KIs 1.87 Μm–7.05 µM), whereas they showed no inhibitory activity against human CAI and CAII, suggesting that they could be potentially developed as anti-mycobacterial compounds [47]. Computational analysis of binding mode of the compounds suggested that the inhibitors anchor to the zinc-coordinated water molecule from the CA active site interfering with the nucleophilic attack of the zinc hydroxide on the substrate CO2 [47]. These results provided insights into mechanism of inhibition of β-CAs, which may be valuable for developing new mycobacterial agents with a novel mechanism of action [47]. In another study, inhibition profiles of series of C-cinnamoyl glycosides (13) containing the phenol moiety were investigated against the three β-CAs of Mtb [48] (Table 2 and Figure 7). Among the compounds investigated, most of them (compounds 1–3 and 5–7) inhibited Mtb β-CA2 at nanomolar concentrations (KI 130-640 nM), and for Mtb β-CA1 (compounds 5 and 6) the KI range was between 140–930 nM and showed preference for β-CA1 over human CAII. Only one compound inhibited Mtb β-CA1 at nanomolar quantities (KI 140 nM) over human CAII [48]. Figure 7. Chemical structure of C-cinnamoyl glycoside (13). 2.4. Carboxylic Acids Weak acids are known to inhibit the growth of mycobacterium but the mechanism of action of these compounds is not known. Carboxylic acids (14) that contain scaffolds such as benzoic acids, nipecotic acid, ortho and para coumaric acid and ferulic acid were investigated for the inhibition of all the three β-CAs of Mtb (Figure 8). These compounds inhibited all the three β-CA enzymes of Mtb at sub-micromolar to micromolar concentration range (KIs in the range of 0.11–0.97 µM). The KIs for the inhibition of β-CA2 was in the range of 0.59–8.10 µM, whereas against β-CA1, the carboxylic acids showed inhibition constants in the range of 2.25–7.13 µM [49]. This class of relatively underexplored β-CA inhibitors warrant further in vivo studies, as they may have the potential for developing antimycobacterial agents. Figure 8. General chemical structures ferulic and coumaric acids (14). Figure 7. Chemical structure of C-cinnamoyl glycoside (13). 2.4. Carboxylic Acids Weak acids are known to inhibit the growth of mycobacterium but the mechanism of action of these compounds is not known. Carboxylic acids (14) that contain scaffolds such as benzoic acids, nipecotic acid, ortho and para coumaric acid and ferulic acid were investigated for the inhibition of all the three β -CAs of Mtb (Figure 8). These compounds inhibited all the three β -CA enzymes of Mtb at sub-micromolar to micromolar concentration range (K I s in the range of 0.11–0.97 µ M). The K I s for the inhibition of β -CA2 was in the range of 0.59–8.10 µ M, whereas against β -CA1, the carboxylic acids showed inhibition constants in the range of 2.25–7.13 µ M [ 49 ]. This class of relatively underexplored β -CA inhibitors warrant further in vivo studies, as they may have the potential for developing antimycobacterial agents. Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 14 investigated against β-CAs of Mtb as well as against human α-CAs I and II for comparison. Sulfonamides that are used clinically inhibited human CAs efficiently (at nM range), whereas β-CAs required micromolar concentrations. In contrast, 8 and 7 of the 21 phenolic compounds had submicromolar affinity for β-CA1 and β-CA3, respectively. The selectivity of some compounds was significantly higher against β-CAs than human α-CAs (the inhibition range being 8 µM to 430 µM) [46]. These NPs are the first nonclassical CA inhibitors that are more potent against mycobacteria βCAs compared to host CA enzymes, suggesting usefulness of NPs for targeting β-CA of Mtb [46]. In addition to natural phenolic products, a series of phenolic acids and their esters, derivatives of caffeic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids were tested against all the β-CAs of Mtb [47]. Among the screened compounds, esters 6–9 showed good inhibitory activity against all the Mtb β-CAs (KIs 1.87 Μm–7.05 µM), whereas they showed no inhibitory activity against human CAI and CAII, suggesting that they could be potentially developed as anti-mycobacterial compounds [47]. Computational analysis of binding mode of the compounds suggested that the inhibitors anchor to the zinc-coordinated water molecule from the CA active site interfering with the nucleophilic attack of the zinc hydroxide on the substrate CO2 [47]. These results provided insights into mechanism of inhibition of β-CAs, which may be valuable for developing new mycobacterial agents with a novel mechanism of action [47]. In another study, inhibition profiles of series of C-cinnamoyl glycosides (13) containing the phenol moiety were investigated against the three β-CAs of Mtb [48] (Table 2 and Figure 7). Among the compounds investigated, most of them (compounds 1–3 and 5–7) inhibited Mtb β-CA2 at nanomolar concentrations (KI 130-640 nM), and for Mtb β-CA1 (compounds 5 and 6) the KI range was between 140–930 nM and showed preference for β-CA1 over human CAII. Only one compound inhibited Mtb β-CA1 at nanomolar quantities (KI 140 nM) over human CAII [48]. Figure 7. Chemical structure of C-cinnamoyl glycoside (13). 2.4. Carboxylic Acids Weak acids are known to inhibit the growth of mycobacterium but the mechanism of action of these compounds is not known. Carboxylic acids (14) that contain scaffolds such as benzoic acids, nipecotic acid, ortho and para coumaric acid and ferulic acid were investigated for the inhibition of all the three β-CAs of Mtb (Figure 8). These compounds inhibited all the three β-CA enzymes of Mtb at sub-micromolar to micromolar concentration range (KIs in the range of 0.11–0.97 µM). The KIs for the inhibition of β-CA2 was in the range of 0.59–8.10 µM, whereas against β-CA1, the carboxylic acids showed inhibition constants in the range of 2.25–7.13 µM [49]. This class of relatively underexplored β-CA inhibitors warrant further in vivo studies, as they may have the potential for developing antimycobacterial agents. Figure 8. General chemical structures ferulic and coumaric acids (14). Figure 8. General chemical structures ferulic and coumaric acids (14). 3. In Vitro Inhibition of Mycobacterial strains Using CA Inhibitors A new class of compounds prepared by reaction of 6-mercaptopurine with sulfony/sulfenyl halides known as 9-sulfonylated/sulfenylated-6-mercaptopurines inhibit growth of Mtb H37Rv, a wild type bacilli in the range of 0.39–3.39 µ g/mL [ 50 ] (Table 3). In addition, one of the derivatives showed an appreciable (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) under 1 µ g/mL) inhibitory activity against several drug resistant strains of Mtb [ 50 ]. The compounds that exhibit MIC of less than 1 µ g/mL are considered as excellent leads and were the first CAIs with anti-tubercular activity. Thus, these compounds may indeed constitute interesting leads for discovering more efficient antimycobacterial drugs. Similarly, C-cinnamoyl glycosides containing the phenol moiety that inhibit Mtb β -CA1 and β -CA2 in nanomolar quantities were tested for inhibition of the Mtb H 37 Rv strain, leading to the identification of compounds having anti-tubercular activity (Table 3) [ 48 ]. The MIC of the C-cinnamoyl glycosides was 100 µ g/mL; though high, the compounds inhibited the growth of the bacterium completely. Interestingly, one of the C-cinnamoyl glycosides, (E)-1-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetylβ -D-glucopyranosyl)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one inhibited the growth of the bacterium efficiently (3.125–6.25 µ g/mL) on a solid medium (Table 3) [48]. Molecules 2018,23, 2911 8 of 14 Table 3. Studies on minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the CA inhibitors in mycobacterial cultures. Inhibitor Bacilli Concentration Reference (E)-1-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetylβ -D-glucopyranosyl)- 4-(3-hydroxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one Mtb H37Rv b3.125–6.25 µg/mL [48] 100 µg/mL [48] DTCs (Fc14-584b and Fc14-594a) M. marinum 17–18 µg/mL [26] 9-sulfonylated/sulfenylated-6-mercaptopurines Mtb H37Rv 0.39–3.39 µg/mL [50] 9-sulfonylated/sulfenylated-6-mercaptopurines aMtb 1 µg/mL [50] aDrug resistant Mtb strains. bAntimycobacterial activity on solid medium. Inhibition studies on M. marinum, an NTM and a close relative of Mtb, were carried out in liquid cultures using DTCs Fc14-584b and Fc14-594a. These drugs were prepared by reaction of corresponding amine with carbon disulfide in the presence of a base and shown to be specific inhibitors of Mtb β -CA1 and β -CA3 [ 45 ]. In vitro inhibition studies showed that the concentration required for the inhibition of the M. marinum was 17–18 µ g/mL for both compounds after six days of exposure to the inhibitors. Further studies to find if the compounds were bacteriostatic or bactericidal showed that there was no growth resumption of M.marinum with inhibitor concentration below MIC after inhibitor dilution by 1:4, suggesting that these compounds were bactericidal [26] (Table 3). Similar to other bacteria that contain extracellular DNA (eDNA) in the matrix of the bacterial biofilms, NTM bacteria also contain significant amounts of eDNA in their biofilms and are responsible for phenotypic resistance of the bacteria to antibiotics, in addition to other biological functions [ 51 ]. A recent study showed that bicarbonate ion positively influences eDNA export in NTM and it is well established that bicarbonate is generated by the hydration of carbon dioxide via CA [ 31 , 35 ]. Screening of a mutant library for eDNA export in NTM bacteria M. avium identified mutants that were inactivated for CA gene and these mutants when complemented with the CA gene restored the transport of eDNA, suggesting that CAs play important roles in the transport of eDNA and formation of biofilms in NTM [ 35 ]. The surface exposed proteome of M. avium in eDNA containing biofilms showed presence of abundant CAs and inhibition studies exposing these bacteria to 6-ethoxy-1,3-benzathiazole-2-sulfonamide/ethoxzolamide ( 15 ) (EZA) showed reduction in eDNA transport significantly (Table 4and Figure 9) [ 35 ]. Thus, in addition to having an effect on mycobacterial growth, CA-inhibition may also be a potential strategy to inhibit biofilm formation of mycobacteria. Table 4. Details of in vivo inhibition studies on different mycobacterial species. Inhibitor Bacterium Inhibitory Effect References EZA M. tuberculosis aAttenuates virulence, inhibits PhoPR [36] EZA M. avium bTransport of eDNA and biofilm formation [35] Dithiocarbamate 12 M. marinum bcImpairs grow of bacterium in the larvae [26] aMycobacterium tuberculosis complex. bNontuberculous mycobacteria. cIn zebrafish larval model. Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 14 to 6-ethoxy-1,3-benzathiazole-2-sulfonamide/ethoxzolamide (15) (EZA) showed reduction in eDNA transport significantly (Table 4 and Figure 9) [35]. Thus, in addition to having an effect on mycobacterial growth, CA-inhibition may also be a potential strategy to inhibit biofilm formation of mycobacteria. Figure 9. Chemical structure of ethoxzolamide (15). Table 3. Studies on minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the CA inhibitors in mycobacterial cultures. Inhibito r Bacilli Concentration Refe r ence (E)-1-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)- 4-(3-hydroxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one Mtb H37Rv b 3.125–6.25 µg/mL [48] 100 µg/mL [48] DTCs (Fc14-584b and Fc14-594a) M. marinum 17–18 µg/mL [26] 9-sulfonylated/sulfenylated-6-mercaptopurines Mtb H37Rv 0.39–3.39 µg/mL [50] 9-sulfonylated/sulfenylated-6-mercaptopurines a Mtb 1 µg/mL [50] a Drug resistant Mtb strains. b Antimycobacterial activity on solid medium. 4. CA Inhibitors and In Vivo Inhibition of Mycobacteria The first in vivo study to show the effect of CA inhibitor on Mtb was published in 2015 by Johnson et al. [36]. The authors showed that EZA (Figure 10) inhibits the signaling of PhoPR in Mtb [36,52]. EZA is a sulfonamide compound (Figure 10) that is a general inhibitor of CA enzyme activity and is an FDA approved drug used in the treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy and duodenal ulcers and is a diuretic. Figure 9. Chemical structure of ethoxzolamide (15). 4. CA Inhibitors and In Vivo Inhibition of Mycobacteria The first in vivo study to show the effect of CA inhibitor on Mtb was published in 2015 by Johnson et al. [ 36 ]. The authors showed that EZA (Figure 10) inhibits the signaling of PhoPR in Mtb [ 36 , 52 ]. Molecules 2018,23, 2911 9 of 14 EZA is a sulfonamide compound (Figure 10) that is a general inhibitor of CA enzyme activity and is an FDA approved drug used in the treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy and duodenal ulcers and is a diuretic. Molecules 2018, 23, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 14 (A) (B) Figure 10. Novel compounds that inhibit M. tuberculosis β-CAs at nanomolar quantities. (Upper panel; A): structures of the compounds with a potential to be developed as anti-mycobacterial agents for treating the mycobacterial diseases caused by MTC and NTM bacteria that are resistant to clinically used drugs. (Lower panel; B): compounds that efficiently inhibit the M. tuberculosis β-CAs in addition to human CAII and are in clinical use or testing to treat human diseases. The study showed that Mtb treated with EZA induces phenotypes similar to the mutants of the PhoPR, downregulating PhoPR regulon, reducing the production of virulence-associated lipids, and inhibiting Esx-1 protein secretion (Table 4) [36]. In addition, quantitative single cell imaging of a PhoPR dependent fluorescent reporter strain showed that EZA inhibits PhoPR regulated genes in infected macrophages and mouse lungs [36]. Similarly, the efficacy assessment in Mtb-infected mice, orally treated with EZA, showed a significant reduction in bacterial growth in the lungs compared to the mock-treated control group [36]. Figure 10. Novel compounds that inhibit M. tuberculosis β -CAs at nanomolar quantities. ( Upper panel ; A ): structures of the compounds with a potential to be developed as anti-mycobacterial agents for treating the mycobacterial diseases caused by MTC and NTM bacteria that are resistant to clinically used drugs. ( Lower panel ; B ): compounds that efficiently inhibit the M. tuberculosis β -CAs in addition to human CAII and are in clinical use or testing to treat human diseases. The study showed that Mtb treated with EZA induces phenotypes similar to the mutants of the PhoPR, downregulating PhoPR regulon, reducing the production of virulence-associated lipids, and inhibiting Esx-1 protein secretion (Table 4) [ 36 ]. In addition, quantitative single cell imaging of a PhoPR dependent fluorescent reporter strain showed that EZA inhibits PhoPR regulated genes in infected macrophages and mouse lungs [ 36 ]. Similarly, the efficacy assessment in Mtb-infected mice, orally treated with EZA, showed a significant reduction in bacterial growth in the lungs compared to the mock-treated control group [36].