Bacterial Beta-Lactamase Enzyme

Beta-lactamases are enzymes produced by bacteria that confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams) by hydrolyzing the characteristic four-membered beta-lactam ring of these drugs. This enzymatic activity renders the antibiotics ineffective against bacterial cell wall synthesis. The spread of genes encoding various types of beta-lactamase is a major driver behind multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Inhibition strategies have been developed, but metallo-β-lactamases remain challenging targets.

Other names

Beta-lactamaseβ-Lactamase

Hydrolysis of beta-lactam ring in antibiotics via serine-based or metallo-based mechanisms.