Microbial and host cellular macromolecules susceptible to redox damage

Microbial and host cellular macromolecules susceptible to redox damage is a collective term for essential biological components—specifically DNA, proteins, and lipids—that are targeted by oxidative stress (Halliwell & Gutteridge, 2015). In a therapeutic context, this target is exploited by prodrugs like metronidazole and nitrofurantoin, which are reduced by microbial enzymes to form highly reactive radicals (Edwards, 1993; StatPearls, 2023). These radicals cause irreversible damage such as DNA strand breaks and protein inactivation, effectively killing the pathogen (McOsker & Fitzpatrick, 1994). However, the lack of specificity means that host macromolecules can also be affected, leading to potential mutagenic or cytotoxic effects (Pizzino et al., 2017). This mechanism is also central to the pathology of various non-infectious diseases where chronic oxidative damage to these macromolecules contributes to cellular dysfunction and aging (Sies, 2017).

Other names

Redox-sensitive biomoleculesOxidative stress targetsROS-sensitive macromoleculesCellular macromolecules

Generation of reactive intermediates or free radicals that induce oxidative damage, such as DNA strand breaks, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation, leading to loss of function and cell death.