Membrane-Centric Investigation of Mycobacterial Drug Resistance: Development of Infection-Stage Models and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Peptides as Therapeutic Adjuvants

This thesis explores treatment strategies for Tuberculosis (TB), with a focus on drug-resistant strains. A major factor contributing to resistance is the impermeable outer membrane of Mtb bacterium, which hinders antibiotic entry. Using model bacteria to mimic early and late infection stages, the study examined how membrane lipid composition changes under stress. Membrane extracts were used to evaluate interactions with anti-TB drugs and antimicrobial peptides. The peptides increased membrane permeability and enhanced drug effectiveness. These findings highlight the importance of membrane-targeted approaches in developing more effective, shorter-duration TB treatments, particularly for advanced or drug-tolerant infections.