The road less traveled: Unexplored targets in the quest for antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen known for its adaptability, has become a critical health concern due to its inherent resistance to multiple antibiotic classes and its rapid acquisition of new resistance mechanisms. The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains has further compounded the global burden of P. aeruginosa infections. Traditional antibiotic discovery efforts, which focus on essential bacterial processes such as cell wall synthesis, protein production, and DNA replication, have been unable to keep pace with the pathogen's evolving resistance strategies. Recent advancements in omics technologies have provided deeper insights into the complex biology of P. aeruginosa, including bacterial communication networks like quorum sensing and interactions between the host and pathogen that are crucial for the pathogen's survival and virulence. These insights pave the way for identifying novel therapeutic targets, such as unexplored metabolic pathways and virulence mechanisms, which could offer more effective strategies for combating resistant P. aeruginosa strains. In this review, we critically assess the limitations of conventional approaches and emphasize the potential of targeting these alternative pathways to address the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. By exploring innovative strategies that transcend traditional methods, this review underscores the importance of pursuing novel therapeutic avenues that could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics against P. aeruginosa and similar resistant pathogens.