Endogenous Enzymes Enable Antimicrobial Activity

In light of the continued threat antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, new strategies to expand repertoire antimicrobial compounds are necessary. Prodrugs an underexploited strategy in this effort. Here, we report on enhanced activity a prodrug toward bacteria having enzyme capable its activation. A screen led us sulfurol ester antibiotic trans-3-(4-chlorobenzoyl)acrylic acid. An endogenous esterase makes Mycolycibacterium smegmatis sensitive prodrug. Candidate esterases were identified, and their heterologous production made Escherichia coli Taken together, these data suggest approach development that takes advantage enzymatic activities target specific bacteria.