Mechanism of Action
Quinolones inhibit the topoisomerase II class enzyme, including the bacterial DNA gyrase or the bacterial topoisomerase IV. Thereby inhibiting DNA replication and transcription. Recent evidence has shown eukaryotic topoisomerase II is also a target for a variety of quinolone-based drugs. Thus far, most of the compounds that show high activity against the eukaryotic type II enzyme contain aromatic substituents at their C-7 positions.
Quinolones can enter cells easily via porins and, therefore, are often used to treat intracellular pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. For many Gram-negative bacteria, DNA gyrase is the target, whereas topoisomerase IV is the target for many Gram-positive bacteria. Some compounds in this class have been shown to inhibit the synthesis of mitochondrial DNA.
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