Proteomics study the potential targets for Rifampicin-resistant spinal tuberculosis

Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses delved into the DSTBrelated pathways associated with these DEPs. In the context of network pharmacology analysis, five key targets—human leukocyte antigen A chain (HLA-A), human leukocyte antigen C chain (HLA-C), HLA Class II Histocompatibility Antigen, DRB1 Beta Chain (HLA-DRB1), metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and Phospholipase C-like 1 (PLCL1)—were identified as pivotal players in pathways such as “Antigen processing and presentation” and “Phagosome,” which are crucially enriched in DSTB.

Moreover, pharmaco-transcriptomic analysis can confirm that 58 drug compounds can regulate the expression of the key targets. This research confirms the presence of protein alterations during the Rifampicin-resistant process in DSTB patients, offering novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning DSTB. The findings suggest a promising avenue for the development of targeted drugs to enhance the management of Rifampicin-resistant spinal tuberculosis.