Several antibiotics, such as vancomycin and teixobactin, target lipid II to inhibit cell wall synthesis. Vancomycin binds to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of the pentapeptide chain in lipid II, preventing its incorporation into the growing cell wall. Teixobactin, on the other hand, binds to the lipid II molecule itself, disrupting its function and leading to bacterial cell death. By understanding these interactions, researchers can design more effective drugs with fewer side effects.
