Humans need folate for DNA synthesis, so not consuming folate will impact rapidly dividing cells like the immune system. The drug methotrexate works this way to suppress the immune system by blocking the folate enzyme DHFR.
This discovery is important because it shows a new target to get reduce resistance to antibiotics. An inhibitor to this folate transporter could potentially restore sensitivity to sulfa drugs.
crazyone19 t1_iytk05l wrote
Reply to comment by HezFez238 in Scientists discover a novel mechanism used by bacteria to resist treatment with antibiotics. Specifically, streptococcus A. was observed stealing folates from its host to compensate for its own folate production being blocked by sulfamethoxazole (sulfameth). by GravelySilly
Humans need folate for DNA synthesis, so not consuming folate will impact rapidly dividing cells like the immune system. The drug methotrexate works this way to suppress the immune system by blocking the folate enzyme DHFR.
This discovery is important because it shows a new target to get reduce resistance to antibiotics. An inhibitor to this folate transporter could potentially restore sensitivity to sulfa drugs.