The Development of New Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Bacterial Metallo-β-lactamases

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are a family of Zn(II)-dependent enzymes that can hydrolyze almost all β-lactam antibiotics. Horizontal transfer of the genes encoding MBLs among Gram-negative bacteria pathogens has led to the emergence of extensively drug-resistant pathogens, which now represent a major threat to human health. As there is not to date yet a clinically available MBL inhibitor, the discovery of new MBL inhibitors has great urgency. This review highlights the recent developments in the discovery of small-molecule MBL inhibitors.