Exploring protein adenylyltransferase as a therapeutic target for combating ESKAPE pathogens in hospital-acquired infections.

Introduction: In the face of increasing antimicrobial resistance, ESKAPE pathogens-Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species-pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in nosocomial settings.

Areas covered: This review explores the potential of targeting protein adenylyltransferase (PrAT) as a therapeutic strategy against these multidrug-resistant bacteria. We discuss the mechanisms of PrAT activity, its involvement in reduction-oxidation (redox) homeostasis, and the rationale for its potential as a drug target against ESKAPE pathogens.

Expert opinion: PrAT plays an essential role in sustaining the bacterium's redox homeostasis, a vital aspect of bacterial survival, by interacting with glutaredoxin (Grx). Future research should focus on elucidating the specific role of PrAT in ESKAPE pathogens, with an emphasis on studying the enzyme's function and designing targeted inhibitors. This review underscores the importance of continued investigation into PrAT in ESKAPE pathogens as a critical step in addressing the challenges of antimicrobial resistance in clinical practice.