Research advances in M. Tuberculosis polyketide synthase 13 inhibitors

Polyketide synthase 13 (Pks13) performs a critical role in the final assembly step of mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The inhibition of Pks13 can influence the biosynthesis of mycolic acid, which leads to Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell death. Researchers have discovered Pks13 inhibitors with five chemical scaffolds as antituberculosis agents. Herein, we summarize recent advances in the study of Pks13 inhibitors including the process of discovery, the mechanism of action and structure-activity relationships.