A novel method of treating and preventing bacterial diseases is provided. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibition of Gram negative, Gram positive and acid fast bacilli in general and tuberculosis (TB), mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), and anthrax in particular. Thus, the invention relates to modulation of cellular activities, including macrophage activity, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to the inhibitory compounds comprising naturally occurring and man-made inhibitors of serine