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Dresden chemists focus on natural substances in the fight against tuberculosis and depression

Chemists led by Prof Bernd Plietker from TU Dresden have developed a new class of active ingredients made from natural substances to combat tuberculosis, depression and other diseases.

21/12/2023

New class of active substances „PPAP53“ derived

Dresden, 12 December 2023: Chemists led by Prof. Bernd Plietker from TU Dresden have developed a new class of active ingredients from natural substances to combat tuberculosis, depression and other diseases. From the so-called „polyprenylated polycyclic acylphloroglucinols“ (PPAP) they derived the active ingredient „PPAP53“, which promises new therapeutic successes. This was announced by the Technische Universität Dresden (TUD).

PPAP53 engages macrophages

„The unique properties of PPAP53 open up fascinating perspectives in various medical fields, for example in macrophage therapy, in oncology and in neurological diseases,

said Philipp Pelsalz, first author of the study. Together with the University Hospital Ulm, the Dresden chemists were able to show that PPAP53 is able to activate human macrophages and combat resistant tuberculosis bacteria. PPAP53 penetrates the cell membrane to fight intracellular tuberculosis without damaging the macrophages themselves. Compared to conventional drugs, PPAP53 does not lead to an increase in liver enzymes and avoids cross-resistance.

New perspectives for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

In another publication, the scientists investigated the interaction of PPAP53 with TRPC6 ion channels, which are responsible for calcium transport across the cell membrane. PPAP53 binds highly specifically to these channels and opens them for calcium transport. This mode of action opens up new treatment perspectives for neurodegenerative diseases, comparable to the well-known antidepressant hyperforin. In contrast, PPAP53 does not cause an increase in liver enzymes and avoids cross-resistance.
The unique properties of PPAP53 open up fascinating perspectives in macrophage therapy, oncology and neurological diseases. The research results help to drive innovative approaches in the field of drug development and offer hope in the fight against tuberculosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

Source: Oiger from 12 December 2023

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