Subinhibitory levels of sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic used to treat Escherichia coli infections, trigger a previously undescribed metabolic pathway in E. coli that comprises a family of hybrid pterin–phenylpyruvate conjugates called colipterins. These metabolites are antioxidants, have immunomodulatory properties and improve colitis in a murine model.
- Hyun Bong Park
- Zheng Wei
- Jason M. Crawford
