Quinolactacin A is a fungal 4-quinolone metabolite that inhibits TNF production.
Details
Quinolactacin A is a secondary metabolite produced by Penicillium species and structurally classified as an N-methyl-4-quinolone conjugated with a γ-lactam moiety. It was originally identified as a potent inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages. Isotope-labeling studies clarified its biosynthetic origin from acetate, anthranilate, isoleucine, and methionine precursors. Subsequent heterologous expression and enzymatic reconstitution revealed a concise nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-dependent pathway responsible for quinolactacin assembly.