Assessing the Potential of N-Butyl-l-deoxynojirimycin (l-NBDNJ) in Models of Cystic Fibrosis as a Promising Antibacterial Agent

Over the past few years, l-iminosugars have revealed attractive pharmacological properties for managing rare diseases including Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The iminosugar N-butyl-l-deoxynojirimycin (l-NBDNJ, ent-1), prepared by a carbohydrate-based route, was herein evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and anti-infective potential in models of CF lung disease infection. A significant decrease in the bacterial load in the airways was observed in the murine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronic infection in the presence of l-NBDNJ, also accompanied by a modest reduction of inflammatory cells. Mechanistic insights into the observed activity revealed that l-NBDNJ interferes with the expression of proteins regulating cytoskeleton assembly and organization of the host cell, downregulates the main virulence factors of P. aeruginosa involved in the host response, and affects pathogen adhesion to human cells. These findings along with the observation of the absence of an in vitro bacteriostatic/bactericidal action of l-NBDNJ suggest the potential use of this glycomimetic as an antivirulence agent in the management of CF lung disease.