Interaction of penicillin with the bacterial cell: penicillin binding proteins and penicillin sensitive enzymes

Abstract

Great strides have been made in the past 30 yr in understanding the mode of action of penicillin. Its possible targets have been defined. Methods have been developed for isolation of the different penicillin sensitive activities. Several purified penicillin sensitive enzymes are presently available in large amounts. Future research will most likely focus on three issues. How does penicillin actually interact with its receptors? What are the in vivo functions of the different penicillin sensitive enzymes? How does regulation of peptidoglycan synthesis occur, and what role does penicillin play in this process? Investigation of the mode of action is currently in a most exciting stage. Conflicting possibilities and hypotheses compel critical analysis. Technical knowledge has progressed to a level where these hypotheses can be tested adequately. The combined wealth of ideas and methods should promote rapid progress.