Cell membrane and cell wall

The cell membrane and cell wall are fundamental structural components that define the boundary and maintain the viability of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In the context of pharmacology, these structures are primary targets for anti-infective agents, as the bacterial cell wall (composed of peptidoglycan) and the fungal cell wall (composed of chitin and glucans) are absent in human cells, providing a basis for selective toxicity [1][2]. The cell membrane, or plasma membrane, serves as a semi-permeable barrier that regulates the transport of ions and nutrients while hosting essential proteins for signal transduction and energy metabolism [3]. Drugs targeting the cell wall, such as beta-lactams and glycopeptides, interfere with the synthesis or assembly of the protective glycan matrix, leading to osmotic lysis and cell death [4]. Conversely, membrane-active agents like polymyxins or polyene antifungals directly disrupt the lipid bilayer or interact with specific sterols like ergosterol to increase membrane permeability [5]. While highly effective, the broad nature of these targets means that drugs must be carefully designed to distinguish between microbial and host membranes to minimize systemic toxicity [6].

Other names

Plasma membraneCytoplasmic membraneBacterial cell envelopePeptidoglycan layerFungal cell wallBiological membrane

Inhibition of peptidoglycan cross-linking, disruption of lipid bilayer integrity, inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, pore formation, and inhibition of beta-glucan synthesis.