Penicillin binding protein 2a: An overview and a medicinal chemistry perspective

Antimicrobial resistance is an imminent threat worldwide. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the “superbug” family, manifesting resistance through the production of a penicillin binding protein, PBP2a, an enzyme that provides its transpeptidase activity to allow cell wall biosynthesis. PBP2a’s low affinity to most β-lactams, confers resistance to MRSA against numerous members of this class of antibiotics. An Achilles’ heel of MRSA, PBP2a represents a substantial target to design novel antibiotics to tackle MRSA threat via inhibition of the bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. In this review we bring into focus the PBP2a enzyme and examine the various aspects related to its role in conferring resistance to MRSA strains. Moreover, we discuss several antibiotics and antimicrobial agents designed to target PBP2a and their therapeutic potential to meet such a grave threat. In conclusion, we consider future perspectives for targeting MRSA infections. • Penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a) is the key determinant of MRSA resistance. • PBP2a allows cell wall biosynthesis in presence of most β-lactams. • An outline of MSRA and PBP2a function, structure, and resistance mechanisms is presented. • Various PBP2a inhibitors and their medicinal aspects are discussed. • Targeting PBP2a represents a substantial opportunity to address MRSA threat.