Drug Discovery

Development of Novel Therapeutics and Antibiotic Alternatives Against Zoonotic Pathogens

Our lab is at the forefront of developing innovative alternatives to traditional antibiotics, addressing the growing threats of zoonotic and multidrug-resistant pathogens. We focus on identifying and characterizing bioactive compounds derived from next-generation probiotics with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-virulence properties. We also explore small-molecule inhibitors that target bacterial communication systems, such as quorum sensing, without promoting resistance. In parallel, our research investigates the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages and phage-derived enzymes to target bacterial pathogens selectively. We integrate surveillance data with therapeutic development to create targeted interventions that tackle antimicrobial resistance at its source. These interventions are tested across in vitro systems, enteroid models, and animal infection models to assess their efficacy, safety, and immunological impact.

Here are some of our publications:

Saleh M., El Moghazy A., El-Gohary A., Wessam Eldin IA., and Helmy Y.A.* (2025). Revolutionizing Nano vaccines: A New Era of Immunization. Vaccines 13 (2), 126. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13020126.
Closs, Jr G, Bhandari M, Helmy Y.A., Kathayat D, Lokesh D, Jung K, Suazo I, Srivastava V, Deblais L, Rajashekara G. (2025). The probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation reduces Salmonella load and modulates growth, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, and immune responses in chickens. Infection and Immunity. https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.00420-24.
Helmy Y.A., Kathayat, Closs Jr G, Galgozy K., Fuchs J. and Rajashekara G. (2023). Efficacy of quorum sensing and growth inhibitors alone and in combination against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infection in chickens. Poultry Science 112(4). PMID: 36863122; PMCID: PMC10011511; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.102543.