Microbial and host cell membranes and proteins

This category encompasses a vast array of biological structures including the lipid bilayers and embedded proteins of both pathogens and human cells. Microbial membranes are essential for maintaining cellular integrity and are the primary targets for antibiotics like polymyxins and daptomycin, which cause membrane depolarization or pore formation [1, 2]. Host cell membranes house critical signaling proteins, such as G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels, which serve as targets for over 50% of FDA-approved drugs [3]. The therapeutic utility of targeting these structures often depends on the ability of a drug to selectively bind microbial components over host components to minimize off-target toxicity [4]. For instance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exploit the high anionic lipid content of bacterial membranes to achieve selectivity over the zwitterionic and cholesterol-rich membranes of mammalian cells [5]. However, lack of specificity can lead to severe safety concerns, including nephrotoxicity and systemic inflammation. Because this entry groups diverse microbial and eukaryotic structures, it represents a broad pharmacological landscape rather than a single discrete molecular target.

Other names

Cellular surface componentsHost-microbe interfaceBiological membranesCellular proteome and lipidome

Membrane permeabilization, pore formation, and modulation of membrane-bound protein activity.