Exploring the Landscape of Diazabicyclooctane (DBO) Inhibition: Avibactam Inactivation of PER-2 β-Lactamase

Crystal structure of the class A extended-spectrum β-lactamase CTX-M-96 in complex with relebactam at 1.03 Angstrom resolution

The use of β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors constitutes an important strategy to counteract β-lactamases in multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. Recent reports have described ceftazidime-/avibactam-resistant isolates producing CTX-M variants with different amino acid substitutions (e.g., P167S, L169Q, and S130G). Relebactam (REL) combined with imipenem has proved very effective against Enterobacterales producing ESBLs, serine-carbapenemases, and AmpCs. Herein, we evaluated the inhibitory efficacy of REL against CTX-M-96, a CTX-M-15-type variant. The CTX-M-96 structure was obtained in complex with REL at 1.03 Å resolution (PDB 8EHH). REL was covalently bound to the S70-Oγ atom upon cleavage of the C7-N6 bond. Compared with apo CTX-M-96, binding of REL forces a slight displacement of the deacylating water inwards the active site (0.81 Å), making the E166 and N170 side chains shift to create a proper hydrogen bonding network. Binding of REL also disturbs the hydrophobic patch formed by Y105, P107, and Y129, likely due to the piperidine ring of REL that creates clashes with these residues. Also, a remarkable change in the positioning of the N104 sidechain is also affected by the piperidine ring. Therefore, differences in the kinetic behavior of REL against class A β-lactamases seem to rely, at least in part, on differences in the residues being involved in the association and stabilization of the inhibitor before hydrolysis. Our data provide the biochemical and structural basis for REL effectiveness against CTX-M-producing Gram-negative pathogens and essential details for further DBO design. Imipenem/REL remains an important choice for dealing with isolates co-producing CTX-M with other β-lactamases.

Insights into the activity of cefiderocol against PER-2 producing Enterobacterales

The PER-2 β-lactamase is a unique class A enzyme conferring broad spectrum cephalosporin resistance. In this study, we explored the stability of cefiderocol (FDC) against PER-2 β-lactamase to gain insights into structure activity relationships (SAR) of this synthetic siderophore-conjugated antibiotic. Herein, we show that the MICs of FDC for PER-2 producing isolates and transformants ranged between 0.125 and 64 µg/mL; diazabicyclooctanes (DBOs) reduced the MIC values. In PER-2 mutants, MIC values decreased up to 10-12 dilutions in agreement with previous observations especially in the case of Arg220 substitutions. Catalytic efficiency for PER-2 was 0.072 µM-1 s-1, comparable with PER-1 (0.046 µM-1 s-1) and NDM-1 (0.067 µM-1 s-1). In silico models revealed that FDC within the active site of PER-2 demonstrates unique interactions as a result of the inverted Ω loop fold and extension of the β3-β4 connecting loop.

Diversity of genetic platforms harboring the blaPER-2 gene in Enterobacterales and insights into the role of ISPa12 in its mobilization and dissemination

The production of PER-like extended-spectrum β-lactamases has recently been associated with reduced susceptibility to the last resort drugs aztreonam/avibactam and cefiderocol. PER-2 have been mainly confined to Argentina and neighboring countries. Until now, only three plasmids harboring bla_PER-2 genes have been characterized but very little is known about the involvement of different plasmid groups in its dissemination. This study analyzed the diversity of genetic platforms associated with bla_PER-2 genes from a collection of PER-producing Enterobacterales by describing both the close environment as well as the plasmid backbones. Full sequences of eleven plasmids were obtained by short (Illumina) and long read (Oxford Nanopore or PacBio) sequencing technologies. De novo assemblies, annotation and sequence analysis were performed by Unicycler, Prokka and BLAST. Plasmids analysis revealed that bla_PER-2 gene is encoded on plasmids of different incompatibility groups (A, C, FIB, HI1B, N2) suggesting that this gene may have been disseminated through a variety of plasmids. Analysis and comparison with the few public available nucleotide sequences describing bla_PER-2 genetic environment, including those from the environmental species Pararheinheimera spp. (considered as the progenitor of bla_PER genes), suggests a role of ISPa12 in bla_PER-2 gene mobilization from the chromosome of Pararheinheimera spp. Also, the bla_PER-2 gene was carried by a novel ISPa12-composite transposon Tn7390. In addition, its association with ISKox2-like elements in the close genetic environment in all analyzed plasmids suggests a role of this IS in further dissemination of bla_PER-2 genes.

The primary pharmacology of ceftazidime/avibactam: in vitro translational biology

Previous reviews of ceftazidime/avibactam have focused on in vitro molecular enzymology and microbiology or the clinically associated properties of the combination. Here we take a different approach. We initiate a series of linked reviews that analyse research on the combination that built the primary pharmacology data required to support the clinical and business risk decisions to perform randomized controlled Phase 3 clinical trials, and the additional microbiological research that was added to the above, and the safety and chemical manufacturing and controls data, that constituted successful regulatory licensing applications for ceftazidime/avibactam in multiple countries, including the USA and the EU. The aim of the series is to provide both a source of reference for clinicians and microbiologists to be able to use ceftazidime/avibactam to its best advantage for patients, but also a case study of bringing a novel β-lactamase inhibitor (in combination with an established β-lactam) through the microbiological aspects of clinical development and regulatory applications, updated finally with a review of resistance occurring in patients under treatment. This first article reviews the biochemistry, structural biology and basic microbiology of the combination, showing that avibactam inhibits the great majority of serine-dependent β-lactamases in Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to restore the in vitro antibacterial activity of ceftazidime. Translation to efficacy against infections in vivo is reviewed in the second co-published article, Nichols et al. (J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; dkac172).

GLO1 Contributes to the Drug Resistance of Escherichia coli Through Inducing PER Type of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases

Background

Escherichia coli-associated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) issue so far needs urgent considerations. This study aims to screen the potent genes associated with extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in drug-resistant Escherichia coli and elucidate the specific drug-resistant mechanism.

Methods

Clinical ESBLs-EC samples were obtained based on the microbial identification, and the whole genome was sequenced. In combination with the significantly enriched pathways, several differently expressed genes were screened and verified by RT-PCR. Furthermore, through knocking out glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) gene and transfecting overexpressed plasmids, the potential relationship between GLO1 and ESBLs was then investigated. Lastly, the concentrations of β-lactamases in bacteria and supernatant from different groups were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

After successful isolation and identification of ESBLs-EC, the whole genome and eighteen differential metabolic pathways were analyzed to select differently expressed genes, including add, deoD, guaD, speG, GLO1, VNN1, etc. RT-PCR results showed that there were no differences in these genes between the standard bacteria and susceptible Escherichia coli. Remarkably, the relative levels of four genes including speG, Hdac10, GLO1 and Ppcdc were significantly increased in ESBLs-EC in comparison with susceptible strains, whereas other gene expression was decreased. Further experiments utilizing gene knockout and overexpression strains confirmed the role of GLO1. At last, a total of 10 subtypes of β-lactamases were studied using ELISA, including BES-, CTX-M1-, CTX-M2-, OXA1-, OXA2-, OXA10-, PER-, SHV-, TEM-, and VEB-ESBLs, and results demonstrated that GLO1 gene expression only affected PER-β-lactamases but had no effects on other β-lactamases.

Conclusion

SpeG, Hdac10, GLO1 and Ppcdc might be associated with the drug-resistant mechanism of Escherichia coli. Of note, this study firstly addressed the role of GLO1 in the drug resistance of ESBLs-EC, and this effect may be mediated by increasing PER-β-lactamases.

The Role of Colistin in the Era of New β-Lactam/β-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations

With the current crisis related to the emergence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB), classical treatment approaches with so-called “old-fashion antibiotics” are generally unsatisfactory. Newly approved β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (BLBLIs) should be considered as the first-line treatment options for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) infections. However, colistin can be prescribed for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections caused by CR-GNB by relying on its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Similarly, colistin can still be regarded as an alternative therapy for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) until new and effective agents are approved. Using colistin in combination regimens (i.e., including at least two in vitro active agents) can be considered in CRAB infections, and CRE infections with high risk of mortality. In conclusion, new BLBLIs have largely replaced colistin for the treatment of CR-GNB infections. Nevertheless, colistin may be needed for the treatment of CRAB infections and in the setting where the new BLBLIs are currently unavailable. In addition, with the advent of rapid diagnostic methods and novel antimicrobials, the application of personalized medicine has gained significant importance in the treatment of CRE infections.

In vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam against Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected in Latin America as part of the ATLAS global surveillance program, 2017-2019

The Antimicrobial Testing Leadership and Surveillance (ATLAS) global surveillance program collected clinical isolates of Enterobacterales (n = 8416) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 2521) from 41 medical centers in 10 Latin American countries from 2017 to 2019. In vitro activities of ceftazidime-avibactam and comparators were determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method. Overall, 98.1% of Enterobacterales and 86.9% of P. aeruginosa isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam. When isolates were analyzed by country of origin, susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam for Enterobacterales ranged from 97.8% to 100% for nine of 10 countries (except Guatemala, 86.3% susceptible) and from 75.9% to 98.4% for P. aeruginosa in all 10 countries. For Enterobacterales, 100% of AmpC-positive, ESBL- and AmpC-positive, GES-type carbapenemase-positive, and OXA-48-like-positive isolates were ceftazidime-avibactam-susceptible as were 99.8%, 91.8%, and 74.7% of ESBL-positive, multidrug-resistant (MDR), and meropenem-nonsusceptible isolates. Among meropenem-nonsusceptible isolates of Enterobacterales, 24.4% (139/570) carried a metallo-β-lactamase (MBL); 83.3% of the remaining meropenem-nonsusceptible isolates carried another class of carbapenemase and 99.4% of those isolates were ceftazidime-avibactam-susceptible. Among meropenem-non-susceptible isolates of P. aeruginosa (n = 835), 25.6% carried MBLs; no acquired β-lactamase was identified in the majority of isolates (64.8%; 87.2% of those isolates were ceftazidime-avibactam-susceptible). Overall, clinical isolates of Enterobacterales collected in Latin America from 2017 to 2019 were highly susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam, including isolates carrying ESBLs, AmpCs, and KPCs. Country-specific variation in susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam was more common among isolates of P. aeruginosa than Enterobacterales. The frequency of MBL-producers among Enterobacterales from Latin America was low (1.7% of all isolates; 146/8,416), but higher than reported in previous surveillance studies.

Investigation of mechanisms responsible for decreased susceptibility of aztreonam/avibactam activity in clinical isolates of Enterobacterales collected in Europe, Asia and Latin America in 2019

Background

The combination aztreonam/avibactam is currently under Phase 3 trials for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria including those with MBLs.

Objectives

To investigate the resistance mechanisms in Enterobacterales exhibiting aztreonam/avibactam MICs of ≥4 mg/L.

Methods

Among 8787 Enterobacterales, 17 (0.2%) isolates exhibited an aztreonam/avibactam MIC of ≥4 mg/L. Isolates were sequenced and screened for β-lactamases. Sequences of porins, penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3) and expression levels of AmpC and AcrA were evaluated.

Results

Eleven (11/4154 isolates; 0.26%) Escherichia coli, three (3/1981; 0.15%) Klebsiella pneumoniae and three (3/628; 0.5%) Enterobacter cloacae were identified. All E. coli showed either an ‘YRIK’ or ‘YRIN’ insertion in PBP3. In general, these isolates carried bla_CMY and/or bla_CTX-M variants, except for one isolate from Korea that also produced NDM-5 and one isolate from Turkey that produced OXA-48. Two DHA-1-producing K. pneumoniae overexpressed acrA and had a premature stop codon in either OmpK35 or OmpK36, whereas a third K. pneumoniae carried bla_PER-2 and had a premature stop codon in OmpK35. All three E. cloacae expressed AmpC at levels ≥570-fold, but sequence analysis did not reveal known amino acid alterations associated with decreased avibactam binding or increased hydrolysis of β-lactams. Minor amino acid polymorphisms within OmpC, OmpF and PBP3 were noted among the E. cloacae.

Conclusions

A small number of isolates (0.2%) met the inclusion criteria. E. coli showed altered PBP3 as the most relevant resistance mechanism, whereas K. pneumoniae had multiple resistance mechanisms. Further investigations are needed to clarify resistance in E. cloacae.

Structural and Biochemical Characterization of the Novel CTX-M-151 Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase and Its Inhibition by Avibactam

The diazabicyclooctane (DBO) inhibitor avibactam (AVI) reversibly inactivates most serine β-lactamases, including the CTX-M β-lactamases. Currently, more than 230 unique CTX-M members distributed in five clusters with less than 5% amino acid sequence divergence within each group have been described. Recently, a variant named CTX-M-151 was isolated from a Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Choleraesuis strain in Japan. This variant possesses a low degree of amino acid identity with the other CTX-Ms (63.2% to 69.7% with respect to the mature proteins), and thus it may represent a new subgroup within the family. CTX-M-151 hydrolyzes ceftriaxone better than ceftazidime (k _cat/K _m values 6,000-fold higher), as observed with CTX-Ms. CTX-M-151 is well inhibited by mechanism-based inhibitors like clavulanic acid (inactivation rate [k _inact]/inhibition constant [K_i ] = 0.15 μM^-1 · s^-1). For AVI, the apparent inhibition constant (K_{i app}), 0.4 μM, was comparable to that of KPC-2; the acylation rate (k₂/K) (37,000 M^-1 · s^-1) was lower than that for CTX-M-15, while the deacylation rate (k _off) (0.0015 s^-1) was 2- to 14-fold higher than those of other class A β-lactamases. The structure of the CTX-M-151/AVI complex (1.32 Å) reveals that AVI adopts a chair conformation with hydrogen bonds between the AVI carbamate and Ser70 and Ser237 at the oxyanion hole. Upon acylation, the side chain of Lys73 points toward Ser130, which is associated with the protonation of Glu166, supporting the role of Lys73 in the proton relay pathway and Glu166 as the general base in deacylation. To our knowledge, this is the first chromosomally encoded CTX-M in Salmonella Choleraesuis that shows similar hydrolytic preference toward cefotaxime (CTX) and ceftriaxone (CRO) to that toward ceftazidime (CAZ).

Molecular characterization of clinical isolates of Enterobacterales with elevated MIC values for aztreonam-avibactam from the INFORM global surveillance study, 2012-2017

OBJECTIVES

While aztreonam-avibactam is a potent β-lactam-β-lactamase-inhibitor combination, reduced in vitro activity against some Enterobacterales isolates has been reported. In this study, globally collected clinical isolates of Enterobacterales with elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for aztreonam-avibactam were examined for potential resistance mechanisms.

METHODS

Isolates with aztreonam-avibactam MICs ≥8 μg/mL (n = 55: Escherichia coli, n = 38; Enterobacter cloacae, n = 10; Klebsiella pneumoniae, n = 3; others, n = 4) and <8 μg/mL (n = 18) collected for the INFORM global surveillance programme were characterized by short read whole-genome sequencing. Sequences were inspected for the presence of β-lactamase genes, penicillin-binding protein (PBP) mutations, and disruptions in the coding sequences of porin genes.

RESULTS

All isolates of E. coli testing with aztreonam-avibactam MIC values ≥8 μg/mL carried a previously documented four-amino-acid insertion in PBP3 at position 333 of YRI(K/N/P). Such mutations were absent in isolates with MICs <2 μg/mL (n = 6). Among other species, carriage of PER- or VEB-type β-lactamases was identified in 10/17 (58.8%) of isolates testing with aztreonam-avibactam MICs ≥8 μg/mL, but no isolates with lower MIC values (n = 11).

CONCLUSIONS

PBP3 mutations are known to confer resistance to aztreonam in E. coli, providing a rationale for the elevated MIC values for aztreonam-avibactam in these isolates. Elevated MICs in other isolates were associated with the carriage of PER-type β-lactamases, which have been previously shown to be inhibited less effectively by avibactam than other Class A β-lactamases and may contribute to this phenotype. Other resistance mechanisms contributing to poor in vitro activity for aztreonam-avibactam in some of these isolates are not yet elucidated.

Interactions between Avibactam and Ceftazidime-Hydrolyzing Class D β-Lactamases

Class D β-lactamases exhibit very heterogeneous hydrolysis activity spectra against the various types of clinically useful β-lactams. Similarly, and according to the available data, their sensitivities to inactivation by avibactam can vary by a factor of more than 100. In this paper, we performed a detailed kinetic study of the interactions between two ceftazidime-hydrolyzing OXA enzymes and showed that they were significantly more susceptible to avibactam than several other class D enzymes that do not hydrolyze ceftazidime. From a clinical point of view, this result is rather interesting if one considers that avibactam is often administered in combination with ceftazidime.

Molecular Basis of Class A β-Lactamase Inhibition by Relebactam

β-Lactamase production is the major β-lactam resistance mechanism in Gram-negative bacteria. β-Lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) efficacious against serine β-lactamase (SBL) producers, especially strains carrying the widely disseminated class A enzymes, are required. Relebactam, a diazabicyclooctane (DBO) BLI, is in phase 3 clinical trials in combination with imipenem for the treatment of infections by multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae We show that relebactam inhibits five clinically important class A SBLs (despite their differing spectra of activity), representing both chromosomal and plasmid-borne enzymes, i.e., the extended-spectrum β-lactamases L2 (inhibition constant 3 μM) and CTX-M-15 (21 μM) and the carbapenemases KPC-2, -3, and -4 (1 to 5 μM). Against purified class A SBLs, relebactam is an inferior inhibitor compared with the clinically approved DBO avibactam (9- to 120-fold differences in half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC₅₀]). MIC assays indicate relebactam potentiates β-lactam (imipenem) activity against KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, with similar potency to avibactam (with ceftazidime). Relebactam is less effective than avibactam in combination with aztreonam against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia K279a. X-ray crystal structures of relebactam bound to CTX-M-15, L2, KPC-2, KPC-3, and KPC-4 reveal its C2-linked piperidine ring can sterically clash with Asn104 (CTX-M-15) or His/Trp105 (L2 and KPCs), rationalizing its poorer inhibition activity than that of avibactam, which has a smaller C2 carboxyamide group. Mass spectrometry and crystallographic data show slow, pH-dependent relebactam desulfation by KPC-2, -3, and -4. This comprehensive comparison of relebactam binding across five clinically important class A SBLs will inform the design of future DBOs, with the aim of improving clinical efficacy of BLI-β-lactam combinations.

Structural Insights into the Inhibition of the Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase PER-2 by Avibactam

The diazabicyclooctane (DBO) avibactam (AVI) reversibly inactivates most serine-β-lactamases. Previous investigations showed that inhibition constants of AVI toward class A PER-2 are reminiscent of values observed for class C and D β-lactamases (i.e., k ₂/K of ≈10³ M^-1 s^-1) but lower than other class A β-lactamases (i.e., k ₂/K = 10⁴ to 10⁵ M^-1 s^-1). Herein, biochemical and structural studies were conducted with PER-2 and AVI to explore these differences. Furthermore, biochemical studies on Arg220 and Thr237 variants with AVI were conducted to gain deeper insight into the mechanism of PER-2 inactivation. The main biochemical and structural observations revealed the following: (i) both amino-acid substitutions in Arg220 and the rich hydrophobic content in the active site hinder the binding of catalytic waters and acylation, impairing AVI inhibition; (ii) movement of Ser130 upon binding of AVI favors the formation of a hydrogen bond with the sulfate group of AVI; and (iii) the Thr237Ala substitution alters the AVI inhibition constants. The acylation constant (k ₂/K) of PER-2 by AVI is primarily influenced by stabilizing hydrogen bonds involving AVI and important residues such as Thr237 and Arg220. (Variants in Arg220 demonstrate a dramatic reduction in k ₂/K) We also observed that displacement of Ser130 side chain impairs AVI acylation, an observation not made in other extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Comparatively, relebactam combined with a β-lactam is more potent against Escherichia coli producing PER-2 variants than β-lactam-AVI combinations. Our findings provide a rationale for evaluating the utility of the currently available DBO inhibitors against unique ESBLs like PER-2 and anticipate the effectiveness of these inhibitors toward variants that may eventually be selected upon AVI usage.

Defining Substrate Specificity in the CTX-M Family: the Role of Asp240 in Ceftazidime Hydrolysis

The natural diversification of CTX-M β-lactamases led to the emergence of Asp240Gly variants in the clinic that confer reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime (CAZ). In this study, we compared the impact of this substitution on CAZ and ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) MICs against isogenic Escherichia coli strains with different porin deficiencies. Our results show a noticeable increase in CAZ resistance in clones expressing Asp240Gly-harboring CTX-M when combined with OmpF porin deficiency. Kinetic analysis revealed that the k_cat/K_m for CAZ was 5- to 15-fold higher for all Asp240Gly variants but remained 200- to 725-fold lower than that for cefotaxime (CTX). In vitro selection of CAZ-resistant clones yielded nonsusceptible CTX-M producers (MIC of >16 μg/ml) only after overnight incubation; the addition of avibactam (AVI) decreased MICs to a susceptible range against these variants. In contrast, the use of CZA as a selective agent did not yield resistant clones. AVI inactivated both CTX-M-12 and CTX-M-96, with an apparent inhibition constant comparable to that of SHV-2 and 1,000-fold greater than that of PER-2 and CMY-2, and k₂/K for CTX-M-12 was 24- and 35-fold higher than that for CTX-M-96 and CTX-M-15, respectively. Molecular modeling suggests that AVI interacts similarly with CTX-M-96 and CTX-M-15. We conclude that the impact of Asp240Gly in resistance may arise when other mechanisms are also present (i.e., OmpF deficiency). Additionally, CAZ selection could favor the emergence of CAZ-resistant subpopulations. These results define the role of Asp240 and the impact of the -Gly substitution and allow us to hypothesize that the use of CZA is an effective preventive strategy to delay the development of resistance in this family of extended-spectrum β-lactamases.

Structural Insights into the TLA-3 Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase and Its Inhibition by Avibactam and OP0595

The development of effective inhibitors that block extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and restore the action of β-lactams represents an effective strategy against ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae We evaluated the inhibitory effects of the diazabicyclooctanes avibactam and OP0595 against TLA-3, an ESBL that we identified previously. Avibactam and OP0595 inhibited TLA-3 with apparent inhibitor constants (K_iapp) of 1.71 ± 0.10 and 1.49 ± 0.05 μM, respectively, and could restore susceptibility to cephalosporins in the TLA-3-producing Escherichia coli strain. The value of the second-order acylation rate constant (k₂/K, where k₂ is the acylation rate constant and K is the equilibrium constant) of avibactam [(3.25 ± 0.03) × 10³ M^-1 · s^-1] was closer to that of class C and D β-lactamases (k₂/K, <10⁴ M^-1 · s^-1) than that of class A β-lactamases (k₂/K, >10⁴ M^-1 · s^-1). In addition, we determined the structure of TLA-3 and that of TLA-3 complexed with avibactam or OP0595 at resolutions of 1.6, 1.6, and 2.0 Å, respectively. TLA-3 contains an inverted Ω loop and an extended loop between the β5 and β6 strands (insertion after Ser237), which appear only in PER-type class A β-lactamases. These structures might favor the accommodation of cephalosporins harboring bulky R1 side chains. TLA-3 presented a high catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_m ) against cephalosporins, including cephalothin, cefuroxime, and cefotaxime. Avibactam and OP0595 bound covalently to TLA-3 via the Ser70 residue and made contacts with residues Ser130, Thr235, and Ser237, which are conserved in ESBLs. Additionally, the sulfate group of the inhibitors formed polar contacts with amino acid residues in a positively charged pocket of TLA-3. Our findings provide a structural template for designing improved diazabicyclooctane-based inhibitors that are effective against ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.