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Peng X, Kong Q, Wei Q, Guo S, Chen Q, Peng M, An B, Wang X, Zhang C, Sang H. Verapamil enhances the activity of Caspofungin against Cryptococcus neoformans, coinciding with inhibited Ca 2+/CN pathway and damage to cell wall integrity. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 64:107303. [PMID: 39151646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Given the challenges posed by toxicity and drug resistance in the treatment of cryptococcal infections, we sought to explore the antifungal potential of verapamil (VER), a calcium channel blocker, against Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans), and its potential synergy with antifungals, specifically caspofungin (CAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro and in vivo (Galleria mellonella) models were employed to assess VER's antifungal activity and its interaction with CAS. Mechanisms underlying the synergism were explored through analysis of cell wall integrity, membrane permeability, and gene expression related to the calcineurin pathway. Additionally, the influence of Ca2+ on chitin deacetylase activity was investigated. RESULTS VER exhibited a pronounced antifungal effect on C. neoformans and synergized with CAS, enhancing antifungal efficacy in Galleria mellonella. VER reduced chitosan content and disrupted cell wall integrity, evidenced by melanin leakage and fluorescence staining. VER+CAS modified membrane permeability, triggering intracellular ROS accumulation and mitochondrial membrane potential alterations. VER mitigated CAS-induced calcium fluctuations and downregulated calcineurin pathway genes. Furthermore, it was found that the enzyme activity of chitin deacetylase of C. neoformans is significantly influenced by the presence of Ca2+, suggesting that the use of VER may affect this activity. CONCLUSIONS The synergistic antifungal effect of VER and CAS represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cryptococcal infections. The multifaceted mechanisms, including disruption of cell wall integrity and modulation of membrane permeability, and regulation of intracellular calcium signaling pathways, offer new insights into antifungal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingtao Kong
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Wei
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shilin Guo
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiying Chen
- Department of Dermatology, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Binyi An
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Sang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Meng X, Wu Y, Liu Z, Chen Y, Dou Z, Wei L. Active monitoring of antifungal adverse events in hospitalized patients based on Global Trigger Tool method. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1322587. [PMID: 39005936 PMCID: PMC11239385 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1322587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing prevalence of fungal infections necessitates broader use of antifungal medications. However, the prevalence of adverse drug events (ADEs) restricts their clinical application. This study aimed to develop a reliable ADEs trigger for antifungals to enable proactive ADEs monitoring, serving as a reference for ADEs prevention and control. Methods This investigation comprises two phases. Initially, the trigger was established via a literature review, extraction of relevant items, and refinement through Delphi expert consultation. Subsequently, the validity of the trigger was assessed by analyzing hospital records of antifungal drug users from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. The correlation between each trigger signal and ADEs occurrence was examined, and the sensitivity and specificity of the trigger were evaluated through the spontaneous reporting system (SRS) and Global Trigger Tool (GTT). Additionally, risk factors contributing to adverse drug events (ADEs) resulting from antifungal use were analyzed. Results: Twenty-one preliminary triggers were refined into 21 final triggers after one expert round. In the retrospective analysis, the positive trigger rate was 65.83%, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 28.75%. The incidence of ADEs in inpatients was 28.75%, equating to 44.58 ADEs per 100 admissions and 33.04 ADEs per 1,000 patient days. Predominant ADEs categories included metabolic disturbances, gastrointestinal damage, and skin rashes. ADEs severity was classified into 36 cases at grade 1, 160 at grade 2, and 18 at grade 3. The likelihood of ADEs increased with longer stays, more positive triggers, and greater comorbidity counts. Conclusion This study underscores the effectiveness of the GTT in enhancing ADEs detection during antifungal medication use, thereby confirming its value as a monitoring tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Li Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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3
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Qing F, Sui L, He W, Chen Y, Xu L, He L, Xiao Q, Guo T, Liu Z. IRF7 Exacerbates Candida albicans Infection by Compromising CD209-Mediated Phagocytosis and Autophagy-Mediated Killing in Macrophages. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1932-1944. [PMID: 38709167 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) exerts anti-infective effects by promoting the production of IFNs in various bacterial and viral infections, but its role in highly morbid and fatal Candida albicans infections is unknown. We unexpectedly found that Irf7 gene expression levels were significantly upregulated in tissues or cells after C. albicans infection in humans and mice and that IRF7 actually exacerbates C. albicans infection in mice independent of its classical function in inducing IFNs production. Compared to controls, Irf7-/- mice showed stronger phagocytosis of fungus, upregulation of C-type lectin receptor CD209 expression, and enhanced P53-AMPK-mTOR-mediated autophagic signaling in macrophages after C. albicans infection. The administration of the CD209-neutralizing Ab significantly hindered the phagocytosis of Irf7-/- mouse macrophages, whereas the inhibition of p53 or autophagy impaired the killing function of these macrophages. Thus, IRF7 exacerbates C. albicans infection by compromising the phagocytosis and killing capacity of macrophages via regulating CD209 expression and p53-AMPK-mTOR-mediated autophagy, respectively. This finding reveals a novel function of IRF7 independent of its canonical IFNs production and its unexpected role in enhancing fungal infections, thus providing more specific and effective targets for antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Qing
- School of Basic Medicine; Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi
| | - Lina Sui
- School of Basic Medicine; Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi
| | - Wenji He
- School of Basic Medicine; Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning
| | - Yayun Chen
- School of Basic Medicine; Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning
| | - Li Xu
- Center for Scientific Research, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liangmei He
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiuxiang Xiao
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tianfu Guo
- School of Basic Medicine; Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi
| | - Zhiping Liu
- School of Basic Medicine; Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi
- Center for Scientific Research, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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Thambugala KM, Daranagama DA, Tennakoon DS, Jayatunga DPW, Hongsanan S, Xie N. Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans. Pathogens 2024; 13:426. [PMID: 38787278 PMCID: PMC11124197 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human fungal diseases are infections caused by any fungus that invades human tissues, causing superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic diseases. Fungal infections that enter various human tissues and organs pose a significant threat to millions of individuals with weakened immune systems globally. Over recent decades, the reported cases of invasive fungal infections have increased substantially and research progress in this field has also been rapidly boosted. This review provides a comprehensive list of human fungal pathogens extracted from over 850 recent case reports, and a summary of the relevant disease conditions and their origins. Details of 281 human fungal pathogens belonging to 12 classes and 104 genera in the divisions ascomycota, basidiomycota, entomophthoromycota, and mucoromycota are listed. Among these, Aspergillus stands out as the genus with the greatest potential of infecting humans, comprising 16 species known to infect humans. Additionally, three other genera, Curvularia, Exophiala, and Trichophyton, are recognized as significant genera, each comprising 10 or more known human pathogenic species. A phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) of human fungal pathogens was performed to show their phylogenetic relationships and clarify their taxonomies. In addition, this review summarizes the recent advancements in fungal disease diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasun M. Thambugala
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; (K.M.T.); (D.P.W.J.)
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
- Center for Plant Materials and Herbal Products Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Dinushani A. Daranagama
- Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya 11300, Sri Lanka;
| | - Danushka S. Tennakoon
- Bioengineering and Technological Research Centre for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China;
| | - Dona Pamoda W. Jayatunga
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; (K.M.T.); (D.P.W.J.)
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
- Center for Plant Materials and Herbal Products Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Sinang Hongsanan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ning Xie
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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Pata J, Moreno A, Wiseman B, Magnard S, Lehlali I, Dujardin M, Banerjee A, Högbom M, Boumendjel A, Chaptal V, Prasad R, Falson P. Purification and characterization of Cdr1, the drug-efflux pump conferring azole resistance in Candida species. Biochimie 2024; 220:167-178. [PMID: 38158037 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans and C. glabrata express exporters of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily and address them to their plasma membrane to expel azole antifungals, which cancels out their action and allows the yeast to become multidrug resistant (MDR). In a way to understand this mechanism of defense, we describe the purification and characterization of Cdr1, the membrane ABC exporter mainly responsible for such phenotype in both species. Cdr1 proteins were functionally expressed in the baker yeast, tagged at their C-terminal end with either a His-tag for the glabrata version, cgCdr1-His, or a green fluorescent protein (GFP) preceded by a proteolytic cleavage site for the albicans version, caCdr1-P-GFP. A membrane Cdr1-enriched fraction was then prepared to assay several detergents and stabilizers, probing their level of extraction and the ATPase activity of the proteins as a functional marker. Immobilized metal-affinity and size-exclusion chromatographies (IMAC, SEC) were then carried out to isolate homogenous samples. Overall, our data show that although topologically and phylogenetically close, both proteins display quite distinct behaviors during the extraction and purification steps, and qualify cgCdr1 as a good candidate to characterize this type of proteins for developing future inhibitors of their azole antifungal efflux activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorgaq Pata
- Drug Resistance & Membrane Proteins Group, CNRS-Lyon 1 University Laboratory UMR 5086, IBCP, 69367, CEDEX Lyon 07, France
| | - Alexis Moreno
- Drug Resistance & Membrane Proteins Group, CNRS-Lyon 1 University Laboratory UMR 5086, IBCP, 69367, CEDEX Lyon 07, France; CALIXAR, 60 Avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France
| | - Benjamin Wiseman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandrine Magnard
- Drug Resistance & Membrane Proteins Group, CNRS-Lyon 1 University Laboratory UMR 5086, IBCP, 69367, CEDEX Lyon 07, France
| | - Idriss Lehlali
- Drug Resistance & Membrane Proteins Group, CNRS-Lyon 1 University Laboratory UMR 5086, IBCP, 69367, CEDEX Lyon 07, France
| | | | - Atanu Banerjee
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, India
| | - Martin Högbom
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Vincent Chaptal
- Drug Resistance & Membrane Proteins Group, CNRS-Lyon 1 University Laboratory UMR 5086, IBCP, 69367, CEDEX Lyon 07, France
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, India
| | - Pierre Falson
- Drug Resistance & Membrane Proteins Group, CNRS-Lyon 1 University Laboratory UMR 5086, IBCP, 69367, CEDEX Lyon 07, France.
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Hou X, Li C, Liu J, Yang S, Peng X, Wang Q, Liu C, Liu X, Luan J, Zhao G, Lin J. Cathelicidin boosts the antifungal activity of neutrophils and improves prognosis during Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0048323. [PMID: 38501672 PMCID: PMC11003229 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00483-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is one of the common pathogens of fungal keratitis. Fungal growth and invasion cause excessive inflammation and corneal damage, leading to severe vision loss. Neutrophils are the primary infiltrating cells critical for fungal clearance. Cathelicidin [LL-37 in humans and cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in mice], a natural antimicrobial peptide, can directly inhibit the growth of many pathogens and regulate immune responses. However, the role of cathelicidin and its effect on neutrophils in A. fumigatus keratitis remain unclear. By establishing A. fumigatus keratitis mouse models, we found that cathelicidin was increased in A. fumigatus keratitis. It could reduce fungal loads, lower clinical scores, and improve corneal transparency. Restriction of CRAMP on fungal proliferation was largely counteracted in CD18-/- mice, in which neutrophils cannot migrate into infected sites. When WT neutrophils were transferred into CD18-/- mice, corneal fungal loads were distinctly reduced, indicating that neutrophils are vital for CRAMP-mediated resistance. Furthermore, cathelicidin promoted neutrophils to phagocytose and degrade conidia both in vitro and in vivo. CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) was reported to be a functional receptor of LL-37 on neutrophils. CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 or phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 weakened LL-37-induced phagocytosis. Meanwhile, LL-37 induced PLC γ phosphorylation, which was attenuated by SB225002. SB225002 or the autophagy inhibitors Bafilomycin-A1 and 3-Methyladenine weakened LL-37-induced degradation of conidia. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observed that LL-37 increased autophagosomes in Aspergillus-infected neutrophils. Consistently, LL-37 elevated autophagy-associated protein expressions (Beclin-1 and LC3-II), but this effect was weakened by SB225002. Collectively, cathelicidin reduces fungal loads and improves the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis. Both in vitro and in vivo, cathelicidin promotes neutrophils to phagocytose and degrade conidia. LL-37/CXCR2 activates PLC γ to amplify neutrophils' phagocytosis and induces autophagy to eliminate intracellular conidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xudong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chengxiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Junjie Luan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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7
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Velnar T, Kocivnik N, Bosnjak R. Clinical infections in neurosurgical oncology: An overview. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:3418-3433. [PMID: 37383906 PMCID: PMC10294202 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i15.3418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) infections are urgent conditions with high morbidity and mortality. Bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi can cause them. Intracranial infections after craniotomies are an important complication of treatment, especially in oncological patients that are already immunologically compromised due to the disease and treatment. The consequence of CNS infections in oncological patients includes longer treatment with antibiotics, additional surgical procedures, higher treatment costs and poorer treatment outcomes. Additionally, the management of primary pathology may be prolonged or postponed as a result of the active infection. By introducing new and improved protocols, tightening controls on their implementation, constantly educating the entire team involved in patient treatment and educating both patients and relatives, the incidence of infections can be reduced effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaz Velnar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Alma Mater Europaea - ECM Maribor, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
| | - Nina Kocivnik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roman Bosnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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8
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Corbu VM, Gheorghe-Barbu I, Dumbravă AȘ, Vrâncianu CO, Șesan TE. Current Insights in Fungal Importance-A Comprehensive Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1384. [PMID: 37374886 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides plants and animals, the Fungi kingdom describes several species characterized by various forms and applications. They can be found in all habitats and play an essential role in the excellent functioning of the ecosystem, for example, as decomposers of plant material for the cycling of carbon and nutrients or as symbionts of plants. Furthermore, fungi have been used in many sectors for centuries, from producing food, beverages, and medications. Recently, they have gained significant recognition for protecting the environment, agriculture, and several industrial applications. The current article intends to review the beneficial roles of fungi used for a vast range of applications, such as the production of several enzymes and pigments, applications regarding food and pharmaceutical industries, the environment, and research domains, as well as the negative impacts of fungi (secondary metabolites production, etiological agents of diseases in plants, animals, and humans, as well as deteriogenic agents).
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Maria Corbu
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Gheorghe-Barbu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Ștefania Dumbravă
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Ovidiu Vrâncianu
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, 91-95 Spl. Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tatiana Eugenia Șesan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, 61 Bd. Mărăşti, District 1, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
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Nasr AM, Badawi NM, Tartor YH, Sobhy NM, Swidan SA. Development, Optimization, and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation of Azelaic Acid Transethosomal Gel for Antidermatophyte Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040707. [PMID: 37107069 PMCID: PMC10135108 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of dermatophytosis is quite challenging. This work aims to investigate the antidermatophyte action of Azelaic acid (AzA) and evaluate its efficacy upon entrapment into transethosomes (TEs) and incorporation into a gel to enhance its application. Optimization of formulation variables of TEs was carried out after preparation using the thin film hydration technique. The antidermatophyte activity of AzA-TEs was first evaluated in vitro. In addition, two guinea pig infection models with Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes and Microsporum (M.) canis were established for the in vivo assessment. The optimized formula showed a mean particle size of 219.8 ± 4.7 nm and a zeta potential of -36.5 ± 0.73 mV, while the entrapment efficiency value was 81.9 ± 1.4%. Moreover, the ex vivo permeation study showed enhanced skin penetration for the AzA-TEs (3056 µg/cm2) compared to the free AzA (590 µg/cm2) after 48 h. AzA-TEs induced a greater inhibition in vitro on the tested dermatophyte species than free AzA (MIC90 was 0.01% vs. 0.32% for T. rubrum and 0.032% for T. mentagrophytes and M. canis vs. 0.56%). The mycological cure rate was improved in all treated groups, specially for our optimized AzA-TEs formula in the T. mentagrophytes model, in which it reached 83% in this treated group, while it was 66.76% in the itraconazole and free AzA treated groups. Significant (p < 0.05) lower scores of erythema, scales, and alopecia were observed in the treated groups in comparison with the untreated control and plain groups. In essence, the TEs could be a promising carrier for AzA delivery into deeper skin layers with enhanced antidermatophyte activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Nasr
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said 42526, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University, New Galala 43713, Egypt
| | - Noha M Badawi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Cairo 11837, Egypt
- The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Yasmine H Tartor
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Nader M Sobhy
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Shady A Swidan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Cairo 11837, Egypt
- The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El-Sherouk City, Cairo 11837, Egypt
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10
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Rehman S. A parallel and silent emerging pandemic: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) amid COVID-19 pandemic. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:611-617. [PMID: 36857834 PMCID: PMC9942450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
World is in the middle of the pandemic (COVID-19), caused by SARS-COV-2 virus, which is a significant global health crisis after Spanish influenza in the beginning of 20th century. Progressive drastic steps have been enforced to minimize the transmission of the disease. Likewise, in the current years, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been referred as one of the potential perils to the global economy and health; however, it is now veiled under the present pandemic. During the current pandemic, AMR to available frontline antibiotics may prove fatal and life threatening to bacterial and fungal infections during routine procedures like elective surgery, C-sections, etc. Currently, a swift elevation in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), like carbapenem-resistant New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacterales, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multi-triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and pan-echinocandin-resistant Candida glabrata has been seen. Thereupon, the global outbreak of COVID-19 also offers some important ramification for developing antimicrobial drug resistance. This article aims to highlights episodes and aspects of AMR prevalence, impact of management and mismanagement of COVID-19 crisis, hospital settings, community, environment, and travel on the AMR during the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suriya Rehman
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations, (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
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11
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Bao MY, Li M, Bu QR, Yang Y, Song H, Wang CZ, Wang TM, Li N. The effect of herbal medicine in innate immunity to Candida albicans. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1096383. [PMID: 37483621 PMCID: PMC10359817 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1096383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that often causes mucosal and systemic infections. Several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), have been implicated in the host recognition of C. albicans. These PRRs recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of C. albicans to activate innate immune cells, thereby rapidly inducing various inflammatory responses by activating intracellular signaling cascades. Herbal medicine and its active components deserve priority development due to their low toxicity and high antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. This review discussed the activities of herbal compounds against C. albicans and their related mechanisms, especially their regulatory role on innate immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) implicated in C. albicans infections. Our work aims to find new therapeutic drugs and targets to prevent and treat diseases caused by C. albicans infection with the mechanisms by which this fungus interacts with the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qing-Ru Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hang Song
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Chang-Zhong Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Tian-Ming Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ning Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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12
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PU.1-CD23 signaling mediates pulmonary innate immunity against Aspergillus fumigatus infection by driving inflammatory response. BMC Immunol 2023; 24:4. [PMID: 36650424 PMCID: PMC9844028 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-023-00539-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillosis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised populations. PU.1 is critical for innate immunity against Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) in macrophages. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PU.1 mediating immunity against AF infection in human alveolar macrophages (AMs) is still unclear. METHODS In this study, we detected the expressions of PU.1, CD23, p-ERK, CCL20 and IL-8 and key inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12 in human THP-1-derived macrophages (HTMs) or PU.1/CD23-overexpressed immunodeficient mice with AF infection. Moreover, we examined these expressions in PU.1-overexpressed/interfered HTMs. Additionally, we detected the phagocytosis of macrophages against AF infection with altered PU.1 expression. Dual luciferase, ChIP and EMSAs were performed to detect the interaction of PU.1 and CD23. And we invested the histological changes in mouse lung tissues transfected with PU.1/CD23-expressing adenoviruses in AF infection. RESULTS The results showed that the expressions of PU.1, CD23, p-ERK, CCL20, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12 increased significantly with AF infection, and PU.1 regulated the later 8 gene expressions in HTMs. Moreover, CD23 was directly activated by PU.1, and overexpression of CD23 in PU.1-interfered HTMs upregulated IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12 levels which were downregulated by PU.1 interference. PU.1 overexpression strengthened the phagocytosis of the HTMs against AF. And injection of PU.1/CD23-expressing adenoviruses attenuated pathological defects in immunodeficient mouse lung tissues with AF infection. Adenovirus (Ad)-PU.1 increased the CD23, p-ERK, CCL20, IL-8 levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study concluded that PU.1-CD23 signaling mediates innate immunity against AF in lungs through regulating inflammatory response. Therefore, PU.1-CD23 may be a new anti-aspergillosis therapeutic for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis with the deepening of gene therapy and its wide application in the clinic.
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Giordano ALPL, Pontes L, Beraquet CAG, Lyra L, Schreiber AZ. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry azole susceptibility assessment in Candida and Aspergillus species. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2023; 118:e220213. [PMID: 36921145 PMCID: PMC10014031 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) allows rapid pathogen identification and potentially can be used for antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST). OBJECTIVES We evaluated the performance of the MALDI-TOF MS in assessing azole susceptibility, with reduced incubation time, by comparing the results with the reference method Broth Microdilution. METHODS Resistant and susceptible strains of Candida (n = 15) were evaluated against fluconazole and Aspergillus (n = 15) against itraconazole and voriconazole. Strains were exposed to serial dilutions of the antifungals for 15 h. Microorganisms' protein spectra against all drug concentrations were acquired and used to generate a composite correlation index (CCI) matrix. The comparison of autocorrelations and cross-correlations between spectra facilitated by CCI was used as a similarity parameter between them, enabling the inference of a minimum profile change concentration breakpoint. Results obtained with the different AFST methods were then compared. FINDINGS The overall agreement between methods was 91.11%. Full agreement (100%) was reached for Aspergillus against voriconazole and Candida against fluconazole, and 73.33% of agreement was obtained for Aspergillus against itraconazole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates MALDI-TOF MS' potential as a reliable and faster alternative for AFST. More studies are necessary for method optimisation and standardisation for clinical routine application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lais Pontes
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Luzia Lyra
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
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14
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Bacillus Metabolites: Compounds, Identification and Anti-Candida albicans Mechanisms. MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres13040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans seriously threatens human health, especially for immunosuppressed groups. The antifungal agents mainly include azoles, polyenes and echinocandins. However, the few types of existing antifungal drugs and their resistance make it necessary to develop new antifungal drugs. Bacillus and its metabolites has antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi. This review introduces the application of Bacillus metabolites in the control of C. albicans in recent years. Firstly, several compounds produced by Bacillus spp. are listed. Then the isolation and identification techniques of Bacillus metabolites in recent years are described, including high-precision separation technology and omics technology for the separation of similar components of Bacillus metabolites. The mechanisms of Bacillus metabolites against C. albicans are distinguished from the inhibition of pathogenic fungi and inhibition of the fungal virulence factors. The purpose of this review is to systematically summarize the recent studies on the inhibition of pathogenic fungi by Bacillus metabolites. The review is expected to become the reference for the control of pathogenic fungi such as C. albicans and the application of Bacillus metabolites in the future.
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15
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Wu H, Yin X, Zhao X, Wu Z, Xiao Y, Di Q, Sun P, Tang H, Quan J, Chen W. HDAC11 negatively regulates antifungal immunity by inhibiting Nos2 expression via binding with transcriptional repressor STAT3. Redox Biol 2022; 56:102461. [PMID: 36087429 PMCID: PMC9465110 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaofan Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xibao Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zherui Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qianqian Di
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haimei Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiazheng Quan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weilin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Institute of Biological Therapy, Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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16
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Ghosh S, Mukherjee R, Mahajan VS, Boucau J, Pillai S, Haldar J. Permanent, Antimicrobial Coating to Rapidly Kill and Prevent Transmission of Bacteria, Fungi, Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:42483-42493. [PMID: 36073910 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbial adhesion and contamination on shared surfaces can lead to life-threatening infections with serious impacts on public health, economy, and clinical practices. The traditional use of chemical disinfectants for sanitization of surfaces, however, comes with its share of health risks, such as hazardous effects on the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, carcinogenicity, as well as environmental toxicity. To address this, we have developed a nonleaching quaternary small molecule (QSM)-based sprayable coating which can be fabricated on a wide range of surfaces such as nylon, polyethylene, surgical mask, paper, acrylate, and rubber in a one-step, photocuring technique. This contact-active coating killed pathogenic bacteria and fungi including drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans within 15-30 min of contact. QSM coatings withstood multiple washes, highlighting their durability. Interestingly, the coated surfaces exhibited rapid killing of pathogens, leading to the prevention of their transmission upon contact. The coating showed membrane disruption of bacterial cells in fluorescence and electron microscopic investigations. Along with bacteria and fungi, QSM-coated surfaces also showed the complete killing of high loads of influenza (H1N1) and SARS-CoV-2 viruses within 30 min of exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a coating for multipurpose materials applied in high-touch public places, hospital equipment, and clinical consumables, rapidly killing drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreyan Ghosh
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Riya Mukherjee
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Vinay S Mahajan
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Julie Boucau
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shiv Pillai
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jayanta Haldar
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
- School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
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17
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The Role of the Glutathione System in Stress Adaptation, Morphogenesis and Virulence of Pathogenic Fungi. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810645. [PMID: 36142553 PMCID: PMC9500636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphogenesis and stress adaptation are key attributes that allow fungal pathogens to thrive and infect human hosts. During infection, many fungal pathogens undergo morphological changes, and this ability is highly linked to virulence. Furthermore, pathogenic fungi have developed multiple antioxidant defenses to cope with the host-derived oxidative stress produced by phagocytes. Glutathione is a major antioxidant that can prevent cellular damage caused by various oxidative stressors. While the role of glutathione in stress detoxification is known, studies of the glutathione system in fungal morphological switching and virulence are lacking. This review explores the role of glutathione metabolism in fungal adaptation to stress, morphogenesis, and virulence. Our comprehensive analysis of the fungal glutathione metabolism reveals that the role of glutathione extends beyond stressful conditions. Collectively, glutathione and glutathione-related proteins are necessary for vitality, cellular development and pathogenesis.
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18
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Liu X, Yang Y, Han M, Guo J, Liu H, Liu Y, Xu J, Ji S, Chen X. Guanylated Hyperbranched Polylysines with High In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activity. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2201091. [PMID: 35775877 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid growth of fungal infections and the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) fungal strains, new antifungals with novel mechanisms are a pressing need to tackle this emerging health problem. Herein it is reported for the first time that hyperbranched polylysine (HPL) shows antifungal activities against Candida, especially for drug-sensitive and MDR C. albicans strains, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The high antimicrobial activities are ascribed to the high charge density and compact size of the globular structure of HPL. The in vitro antifungal activities of HPL3 are further enhanced by the modification of amine groups to form guanylated polylysines (HPL3-Gxs). Similar to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), HPLs and HPL3-Gxs interact with and lyse the membranes of microbes, which mitigates the emergence of drug resistance. HPLs and HPL3-Gxs demonstrate excellent in vivo antimicrobial efficacies against both lethal C. albicans challenge in the invasive candidiasis model and lethal Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus challenge in the peritonitis model, and have potentials as broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Yilong Yang
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Antibody Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Han
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China.,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yadong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Antibody Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, P. R. China
| | - Shengxiang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China.,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China.,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
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19
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Tasleem, Shanthi N, Mahato AK, Bahuguna R. Oral delivery of butoconazole nitrate nanoparticles for systemic treatment of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis: A future aspect. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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20
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Liang C, Lian N, Li M. The emerging role of neutrophil extracellular traps in fungal infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:900895. [PMID: 36034717 PMCID: PMC9411525 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.900895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are global public health problems and can lead to substantial human morbidity and mortality. Current antifungal therapy is not satisfactory, especially for invasive, life-threatening fungal infections. Modulating the antifungal capacity of the host immune system is a feasible way to combat fungal infections. Neutrophils are key components of the innate immune system that resist fungal pathogens by releasing reticular extracellular structures called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). When compared with phagocytosis and oxidative burst, NETs show better capability in terms of trapping large pathogens, such as fungi. This review will summarize interactions between fungal pathogens and NETs. Molecular mechanisms of fungi-induced NETs formation and defensive strategies used by fungi are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuting Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ni Lian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Min Li,
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D’Auria FD, Casciaro B, De Angelis M, Marcocci ME, Palamara AT, Nencioni L, Mangoni ML. Antifungal Activity of the Frog Skin Peptide Temporin G and Its Effect on Candida albicans Virulence Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116345. [PMID: 35683025 PMCID: PMC9181532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing resistance to conventional antifungal drugs is a widespread concern, and a search for new compounds, active against different species of fungi, is demanded. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promises in this context. Here we investigated the activity of the frog skin AMP Temporin G (TG) against a panel of fungal strains, by following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols. TG resulted to be active against (i) Candida species and Cryptococcus neoformans, with MIC50 between 4 µM and 64 µM after 24 h of incubation; (ii) dermatophytes with MIC80 ranging from 4 to 32 µM, and (iii) Aspergillus strains with MIC80 of 128 µM. In addition, our tests revealed that TG reduced the metabolic activity of Candida albicans cells, with moderate membrane perturbation, as proven by XTT and Sytox Green assays, respectively. Furthermore, TG was found to be effective against some C. albicans virulence factors; indeed, at 64 µM it was able to inhibit ~90% of yeast-mycelial switching, strongly prevented biofilm formation, and led to a 50% reduction of metabolic activity in mature biofilm cells, and ~30-35% eradication of mature biofilm biomass. Even though further studies are needed to deepen our knowledge of the mechanisms of TG antifungal activity, our results suggest this AMP as an attractive lead compound for treatment of fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Diodata D’Auria
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.); (A.T.P.)
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.); (A.T.P.)
| | - Maria Elena Marcocci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.); (A.T.P.)
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.); (A.T.P.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.D.D.); (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.); (A.T.P.)
- Correspondence: (L.N.); (M.L.M.); Tel.: +39-0649914608 (L.N.); +39-0649910838 (M.L.M.)
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (L.N.); (M.L.M.); Tel.: +39-0649914608 (L.N.); +39-0649910838 (M.L.M.)
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22
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Souza JAM, Gurgel ILDS, Malacco NLSDO, Martins FRB, Queiroz-Junior CM, Teixeira MM, Soriani FM. Pre-Exposure With Extracellular Vesicles From Aspergillus fumigatus Attenuates Inflammatory Response and Enhances Fungal Clearance in a Murine Model Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:898619. [PMID: 35719346 PMCID: PMC9198263 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.898619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous and saprophytic filamentous fungus and the main etiologic agent of aspergillosis. Infections caused by A. fumigatus culminate in a strong inflammatory response that can evolve into respiratory failure and may be lethal in immunocompromised individuals. In the last decades, it has been demonstrated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) elicit a notable biological response in immune cells. EVs carry a variety of biomolecules, therefore are considered potential antigen delivery vehicles. The role of EVs as a strategy for modulating an effective response against infections caused by A. fumigatus remains unexplored. Here we investigate the use of EVs derived from A. fumigatus as an immunization tool to induce a more robust immune response to A. fumigatus pulmonary infection. In order to investigate that, male C57BL/6 mice were immunized with two doses of EVs and infected with A. fumigatus. Pre-exposure of mice to EVs was able to induce the production of specific IgG serum for fungal antigens. Besides that, the immunization with EVs reduced the neutrophilic infiltrate into the alveoli, as well as the extravasation of total proteins and the production of proinflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-6, and CXCL-1. In addition, immunization prevented extensive lung tissue damage and also improved phagocytosis and fungus clearance. Noteworthy, immunization with EVs, associated with subclinical doses of Amphotericin B (AmB) treatment, rescued 50% of mice infected with A. fumigatus from lethal fungal pneumonia. Therefore, the present study shows a new role for A. fumigatus EVs as host inflammatory response modulators, suggesting their use as immunizing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Amanda Marques Souza
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Frederico Marianetti Soriani, ; Jéssica Amanda Marques Souza,
| | - Isabella Luísa da Silva Gurgel
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nathália Luísa Sousa de Oliveira Malacco
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- The Lopes Lab, Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Flávia Rayssa Braga Martins
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Celso Martins Queiroz-Junior
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frederico Marianetti Soriani
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Frederico Marianetti Soriani, ; Jéssica Amanda Marques Souza,
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Dogenski LC, Pasqualotto EM, Dutra MJ, Rovani G, Trentin MS, De Carli JP. Uncommon case of histoplasmosis with oral manifestation: A case report of diagnosis in a South American patient. Int J Surg Case Rep 2022; 93:106920. [PMID: 35290848 PMCID: PMC8918853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.106920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal disease caused by the H. capsulatum fungus, which is mainly present in feces and guano of birds and bats. This condition manifests in several ways and it is more severe in its disseminated form and in immunosuppressed patients, putting the patient at risk of death if not diagnosed in time. Case presentation This report presents the case of a 39-year-old white female patient, a seller of agricultural machinery, with a history of lupus erythematosus, who attended a private dental office complaining of a tongue lesion. The patient reported having been subjected to an incisional biopsy of this lesion and the histopathological examination identified an inflammatory process. Considering the inefficient management of the lesion with intralesional application of corticosteroids, squamous cell carcinoma or granulomatous fungal infection was suspected, and a new biopsy was performed allowing the diagnosis of histoplasmosis already spread to the liver, intestines, and bone marrow. The diagnosed disease led the patient to undergo extensive antifungal treatment, including a period of hospitalization. Discussion The diagnosis of histoplasmosis can be delayed due to several factors, mainly due to its diverse clinical presentation between acute, chronic and disseminated forms. However, achieving an early diagnosis for histoplasmosis is very important to maintain the patient's quality of life. Conclusion Greater education, information, and awareness about histoplasmosis among health professionals are required for managing these cases, especially in endemic areas to H. capsulatum. The diagnosis of histoplasmosis can be challenging, mimicking other diseases. Biopsy and histopathological exams are essential for diagnosis of histoplasmosis. The dentist plays a fundamental role in diagnosis of oral lesions of histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis affects immunosuppressed individuals and can lead to death.
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Does the technical methodology influence the quality attributes and the potential of skin permeation of Luliconazole loaded transethosomes? J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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25
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León-Buitimea A, Garza-Cervantes JA, Gallegos-Alvarado DY, Osorio-Concepción M, Morones-Ramírez JR. Nanomaterial-Based Antifungal Therapies to Combat Fungal Diseases Aspergillosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Mucormycosis, and Candidiasis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101303. [PMID: 34684252 PMCID: PMC8539376 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last years, invasive infections caused by filamentous fungi have constituted a serious threat to public health worldwide. Aspergillus, Coccidioides, Mucorales (the most common filamentous fungi), and Candida auris (non-filamentous fungus) can cause infections in humans. They are able to cause critical life-threatening illnesses in immunosuppressed individuals, patients with HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, hematological diseases, transplantation, and chemotherapy. In this review, we describe the available nanoformulations (both metallic and polymers-based nanoparticles) developed to increase efficacy and reduce the number of adverse effects after the administration of conventional antifungals. To treat aspergillosis and infections caused by Candida, multiple strategies have been used to develop new therapeutic alternatives, such as incorporating coating materials, complexes synthesized by green chemistry, or coupled with polymers. However, the therapeutic options for coccidioidomycosis and mucormycosis are limited; most of them are in the early stages of development. Therefore, more research needs to be performed to develop new therapeutic alternatives that contribute to the progress of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel León-Buitimea
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca C.P. 66628, Mexico
| | - Javier A. Garza-Cervantes
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca C.P. 66628, Mexico
| | - Diana Y. Gallegos-Alvarado
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
| | - Macario Osorio-Concepción
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca C.P. 66628, Mexico
| | - José Ruben Morones-Ramírez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza C.P. 66455, Mexico; (A.L.-B.); (J.A.G.-C.); (D.Y.G.-A.); (M.O.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca C.P. 66628, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Bajaj K, Buchanan RM, Grapperhaus CA. Antifungal activity of thiosemicarbazones, bis(thiosemicarbazones), and their metal complexes. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 225:111620. [PMID: 34619407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are ubiquitous in nature, and typically cause little or no environmental or pathogenic damage to their plant, animal, and human hosts. However, a small but growing number of pathogenic fungi are spreading world-wide at an alarming rate threatening global ecosystem health and proliferation. Many of these emerging pathogens have developed multi-drug resistance to front line therapeutics increasing the urgency for the development of new antifungal agents. This review examines the development of thiosemicarbazones, bis(thiosemicarbazones), and their metal complexes as potential antifungal agents against more than 65 different fungal strains. The fungistatic activity of the compounds are quantified based on the zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration, or growth inhibition percentage. In this review, reported activities were standardized based on molar concentrations to simplify comparisons between different compounds. Of all the fungal strains reported in the review, A. niger in particular was very resistant towards a majority of tested compounds. Our analysis of the data shows that metal complexes are typically more active than non-coordinated ligands with copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes generally displaying the highest activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Bajaj
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, 2320 South Brook Street, Louisville, KY 40292, United States of America
| | - Robert M Buchanan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, 2320 South Brook Street, Louisville, KY 40292, United States of America
| | - Craig A Grapperhaus
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, 2320 South Brook Street, Louisville, KY 40292, United States of America.
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27
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Oliw EH. Fatty acid dioxygenase-cytochrome P450 fusion enzymes of filamentous fungal pathogens. Fungal Genet Biol 2021; 157:103623. [PMID: 34520871 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxylipins designate oxygenated unsaturated C18 fatty acids. Many filamentous fungi pathogens contain dioxygenases (DOX) in oxylipin biosynthesis with homology to human cyclooxygenases. They contain a DOX domain, which is often fused to a functional cytochrome P450 at the C-terminal end. A Tyr radical in the DOX domain initiates dioxygenation of linoleic acid by hydrogen abstraction with formation of 8-, 9-, or 10-hydroperoxy metabolites. The P450 domains can catalyze heterolytic cleavage of 8- and 10-hydroperoxides with oxidation of the heme thiolate iron for hydroxylation at C-5, C-7, C-9, or C-11 and for epoxidation of the 12Z double bond; thus displaying linoleate diol synthase (LDS) and epoxy alcohol synthase (EAS) activities. LSD activities are present in the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, Botrytis cinerea causing grey mold and the black scurf pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. 10R-DOX-EAS has been found in M. oryzae and Fusarium oxysporum. The P450 domains may also catalyze homolytic cleavage of 8- and 9-hydroperoxy fatty acids and dehydration to produce epoxides with an adjacent double bond, i.e., allene oxides, thus displaying 8- and 9-DOX-allene oxide synthases (AOS). F. oxysporum, F. graminearum, and R. solani express 9S-DOX-AOS and Zymoseptoria tritici 8S-and 9R-DOX-AOS. Homologues are present in endemic human-pathogenic fungi with extensive studies in Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus (also a plant pathogen) as well as the genetic model A. nidulans. 8R-and 10R-DOX appear to bind fatty acids "headfirst" in the active site, whereas 9S-DOX binds them "tail first" in analogy with cyclooxygenases. The biological relevance of 8R-DOX-5,8-LDS (also designated PpoA) was first discovered in relation to sporulation of A. nidulans and recently for development and programmed hyphal branching of A. fumigatus. Gene deletion DOX-AOS homologues in F. verticillioides, A. flavus, and A. nidulans alters, inter alia, mycotoxin production, sporulation, and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst H Oliw
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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The transcription factor Cas5 suppresses hyphal morphogenesis during yeast-form growth in Candida albicans. J Microbiol 2021; 59:911-919. [PMID: 34491522 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-021-1326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human pathogen that exists as yeast, hyphal or pseudohyphal forms depending on pH, nutrients, and temperature. The morphological transition from yeast to hyphae, which is required for the complete virulence of C. albicans, is controlled by many transcription factors that activate or repress hypha-specific genes. The C. albicans transcriptional factor Cas5, a key regulator of genes involved in cell wall integrity, affects the susceptibility of C. albicans to fluconazole, an inhibitor of ergosterol synthesis. In this study, we found that deletion of CAS5 in C. albicans decreased the expression levels of a set of ergosterol biosynthesis genes, such as ERG2, ERG3, ERG5, ERG6, ERG11, and ERG24, resulting in the accumulation of lanosterol and zymosterol, which are intermediate metabolites in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Interestingly, it was observed that the cas5Δ/Δ mutant could not maintain the yeast form under non-hypha-inducing conditions, while the CAS5-overexpressing cells could not form hyphae under hypha-inducing conditions. Consistent with these observations, the cas5Δ/Δ mutant highly expressed hypha-specific genes, ALS3, ECE1, and HWP1, under non-hypha-inducing conditions. In addition, CAS5 transcription was significantly downregulated immediately after hyphal initiation in the wild-type strain. Furthermore, the cas5Δ/Δ mutant reduced the transcription of NRG1, which encodes a major repressor of hyphal morphogenesis, while Cas5 overexpression increased the transcription of NRG1 under hypha-inducing conditions. Collectively, this study suggests the potential role of Cas5 as a repressor of hypha-specific genes during yeast-form growth of C. albicans.
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Ross BS, Lofgren LA, Ashare A, Stajich JE, Cramer RA. Aspergillus fumigatus In-Host HOG Pathway Mutation for Cystic Fibrosis Lung Microenvironment Persistence. mBio 2021; 12:e0215321. [PMID: 34465017 PMCID: PMC8406193 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02153-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus colonization in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and subsequent fungal persistence in the lung is increasingly recognized. However, there is no consensus for clinical management of A. fumigatus in CF individuals, due largely to uncertainty surrounding A. fumigatus CF pathogenesis and virulence mechanisms. To address this gap in knowledge, a longitudinal series of A. fumigatus isolates from an individual with CF were collected over 4.5 years. Isolate genotypes were defined with whole-genome sequencing that revealed both transitory and persistent A. fumigatus in the lung. Persistent lineage isolates grew most readily in a low-oxygen culture environment, and conidia were more sensitive to oxidative stress-inducing conditions than those from nonpersistent isolates. Closely related persistent isolates harbored a unique allele of the high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, Pbs2 (pbs2C2). Data suggest this novel pbs2C2 allele arose in vivo and is necessary for the fungal response to osmotic stress in a low-oxygen environment through hyperactivation of the HOG (SakA) signaling pathway. Hyperactivation of the HOG pathway through pbs2C2 comes at the cost of decreased conidial stress resistance in the presence of atmospheric oxygen levels. These novel findings shed light on pathoadaptive mechanisms of A. fumigatus in CF, lay the foundation for identifying persistent A. fumigatus isolates that may require antifungal therapy, and highlight considerations for successful culture of persistent Aspergillus CF isolates. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus infection causes a spectrum of clinical manifestations. For individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an established complication, but there is a growing appreciation for A. fumigatus airway persistence in CF disease progression. There currently is little consensus for clinical management of A. fumigatus long-term culture positivity in CF. A better understanding of A. fumigatus pathogenesis mechanisms in CF is expected to yield insights into when antifungal therapies are warranted. Here, a 4.5-year longitudinal collection of A. fumigatus isolates from a patient with CF identified a persistent lineage that harbors a unique allele of the Pbs2 mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) necessary for unique CF-relevant stress phenotypes. Importantly for A. fumigatus CF patient diagnostics, this allele provides increased fitness under CF lung-like conditions at a cost of reduced in vitro growth under standard laboratory conditions. These data illustrate a molecular mechanism for A. fumigatus CF lung persistence with implications for diagnostics and antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon S. Ross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Lotus A. Lofgren
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Alix Ashare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Robert A. Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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30
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Miao F, Li Y, Tai Z, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Hu M, Zhu Q. Antimicrobial Peptides: The Promising Therapeutics for Cutaneous Wound Healing. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100103. [PMID: 34405955 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wound infections have caused an increasing number of deaths and economic burden, which necessitates wound treatment options. Hitherto, the development of functional wound dressings has achieved reasonable progress. Antibacterial agents, growth factors, and miRNAs are incorporated in different wound dressings to treat various types of wounds. As an effective antimicrobial agent and emerging wound healing therapeutic, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted significant attention. The present study focuses on the application of AMPs in wound healing and discusses the types, properties and formulation strategies of AMPs used for wound healing. In addition, the clinical trial and the current status of studies on "antimicrobial peptides and wound healing" are elaborated through bibliometrics. Also, the challenges and opportunities for further development and utilization of AMP formulations in wound healing are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Ying Li
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yue Gao
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Menghong Hu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
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31
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A Mouse Model of Candidiasis. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34048008 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1488-4_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The intravenous challenge model of Candida albicans infection in mice is a well-established procedure that mirrors disseminated candidiasis in humans. In this model, in which the fungus is delivered into the bloodstream causing a systemic infection, the kidneys are the primary target organs. Mice develop renal failure and septic shock that recapitulates the progressive sepsis seen in humans during severe clinical cases. This model is used to study inflammation and the host immune response against fungal infection. This chapter describes the intravenous candidiasis infection protocol, detailing different steps from the preparation of the inoculum, injection of Candida, monitoring of animals, collection of tissue from infected mice, sample preparation and analysis of several parameters related to infection and the inflammatory response.
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Abstract
Each year, the global mortality rates for fungal diseases now exceed those for malaria and breast cancer and are currently comparable to those for tuberculosis and HIV. The limited scope of currently available antifungal drugs is the major factor underlying the observed high mortality rate. Here, we provide evidence that Myosin IF (MYO1F) plays a critical role in the mediating of signaling molecules “trafficking from membrane to cytoplasm,” and this process is essential for the antifungal signaling pathway activation. Moreover, we provide evidence that Sirt2 deacetylase inhibitors promote antifungal immunity and protect mice from lethal Candida albicans infection, which indicates that the Sirt2 could be a good therapeutic target for the antifungal drug development. Opportunistic fungal infections have become one of the leading causes of death among immunocompromised patients, resulting in an estimated 1.5 million deaths each year worldwide. The molecular mechanisms that promote host defense against fungal infections remain elusive. Here, we find that Myosin IF (MYO1F), an unconventional myosin, promotes the expression of genes that are critical for antifungal innate immune signaling and proinflammatory responses. Mechanistically, MYO1F is required for dectin-induced α-tubulin acetylation, acting as an adaptor that recruits both the adaptor AP2A1 and α-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1 to α-tubulin; in turn, these events control the membrane-to-cytoplasm trafficking of spleen tyrosine kinase and caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9. Myo1f-deficient mice are more susceptible than their wild-type counterparts to the lethal sequelae of systemic infection with Candida albicans. Notably, administration of Sirt2 deacetylase inhibitors, namely AGK2, AK-1, or AK-7, significantly increases the dectin-induced expression of proinflammatory genes in mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages and microglia, thereby protecting mice from both systemic and central nervous system C. albicans infections. AGK2 also promotes proinflammatory gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after Dectin stimulation. Taken together, our findings describe a key role for MYO1F in promoting antifungal immunity by regulating the acetylation of α-tubulin and microtubules, and our findings suggest that Sirt2 deacetylase inhibitors may be developed as potential drugs for the treatment of fungal infections.
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Oliw EH. WITHDRAWN: Fatty acid dioxygenase-cytochrome P450 fusion enzymes of the top 10 fungal pathogens in molecular plant pathology and human-pathogenic fungi. Fungal Genet Biol 2021:103603. [PMID: 34214670 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst H Oliw
- Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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34
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Ortega-Blake I, Fernández-Zertuche M, Regla I, Sánchez-Peña W, Gómez-Solis A, Jaimes-Chavez P, Galván-Hernández A, Tovar-Garduño E, Rodríguez-Fragoso L. Preclinical safety evaluation of amphotericin A21: A novel antifungal. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 129:72-81. [PMID: 33900024 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Safety studies are essential in drug development. This study evaluates the safety of Amphotericin A21 (AmB-A21), a derivative of amphotericin B with antifungal therapeutic potential. We performed a chronic toxicity study, a targeted organ study and a dermal irritation test. To evaluate chronic toxicity, 18 male adult rats were treated orally with AmB-21 (2 mg/kg) for 26 weeks. The effects on body-weight and animal health were measured, and haematological, clinical chemistry and histopathological tests were conducted on various organs. In the target organ toxicity study, male adult rats received a daily oral dose of AmB-21 (2 mg/kg) for 6 and 17 weeks; testicle histology and testosterone levels were then evaluated. For the dermal irritation study, AmB-21 (200 and 1000 mg/kg) was placed on the skin of adult male rabbits; macroscopic and microscopic studies, as well as haematological and clinical chemistry tests were then conducted. The chronic toxicity study revealed that AmB-21 caused testicle damage, and the testicle-targeted study showed structural alterations and changes in testosterone levels at 17 weeks. However, these alterations were no longer observed 8 weeks after discontinuation of treatment, and the testes showed very similar characteristics to those in the control group. The dermal irritation study showed skin thickening and reddening in rabbits treated with 2000 mg of AmB-A21 after 14 days of exposure. This same group also showed changes in liver enzymes, renal parameters and platelet levels. Based on our results, we consider AmB-21 to be a potential candidate for safe, long-term antifungal treatment given its reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Ortega-Blake
- Institute of Physical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Ignacio Regla
- Faculty of Higher Studies Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Walfred Sánchez-Peña
- Pharmacy School, Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Paola Jaimes-Chavez
- Pharmacy School, Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Arturo Galván-Hernández
- Institute of Physical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Erika Tovar-Garduño
- Chemical Research Center, Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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35
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Struyfs C, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Membrane-Interacting Antifungal Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649875. [PMID: 33912564 PMCID: PMC8074791 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing worldwide, resulting in more than 1.6 million deaths every year. Due to growing antifungal drug resistance and the limited number of currently used antimycotics, there is a clear need for novel antifungal strategies. In this context, great potential is attributed to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are part of the innate immune system of organisms. These peptides are known for their broad-spectrum activity that can be directed toward bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or even cancer cells. Some AMPs act via rapid physical disruption of microbial cell membranes at high concentrations causing cell leakage and cell death. However, more complex mechanisms are also observed, such as interaction with specific lipids, production of reactive oxygen species, programmed cell death, and autophagy. This review summarizes the structure and mode of action of antifungal AMPs, thereby focusing on their interaction with fungal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Struyfs
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bruno P A Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Garg AK, Maddiboyina B, Alqarni MHS, Alam A, Aldawsari HM, Rawat P, Singh S, Kesharwani P. Solubility enhancement, formulation development and antifungal activity of luliconazole niosomal gel-based system. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION 2021; 32:1009-1023. [PMID: 33704008 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2021.1892471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Luliconazole is a potential prescription candidate drug for the treatment of topical fungal infections. However, it has water solubility and skin permeability limitations. To overcome these limitations, a niosomal gel of luliconazole was formulated using Span 60, cholesterol, and chloroform to improve its bioavailability and to reduce its toxicity. Niosomes were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for morphological and spectral studies respectively. The formulations had ideal nanometric vesicle sizes, encapsulation efficiency (88.891% ± 0.0364%), Zeta potential (-40.1 mV), and storage instability was not observed. The sustained-release profile of niosomal gel was observed for up to 24 h. The highest R2 value was 0.913; the Higuchi model was considered the best fit model for the niosomal formulations. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed the biocompatibility of the niosomal gel of luliconazole. Based on the results, it can be concluded that niosomal luliconazole may enhance the activity of luliconazole against Candida albicans (C. albicans).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar Garg
- Akal College of Pharmacy and Technical Education, Sangrur, Punjab, India
| | - Balaji Maddiboyina
- Department of Pharmacy, Vishwabharathi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammed Hamed Saeed Alqarni
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Aftab Alam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hibah M Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pinki Rawat
- Maharana Pratap College of Pharmacy, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sima Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
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Human Fungal Pathogens: Diversity, Genomics, and Preventions. Fungal Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-60659-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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38
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van Eijk M, Boerefijn S, Cen L, Rosa M, Morren MJH, van der Ent CK, Kraak B, Dijksterhuis J, Valdes ID, Haagsman HP, de Cock H. Cathelicidin-inspired antimicrobial peptides as novel antifungal compounds. Med Mycol 2020; 58:1073-1084. [PMID: 32236485 PMCID: PMC7657097 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections in humans are increasing worldwide and are currently mostly treated with a relative limited set of antifungals. Resistance to antifungals is increasing, for example, in Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida auris, and expected to increase for many medically relevant fungal species in the near future. We have developed and patented a set of cathelicidin-inspired antimicrobial peptides termed 'PepBiotics'. These peptides were initially selected for their bactericidal activity against clinically relevant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus isolates derived from patients with cystic fibrosis and are active against a wide range of bacteria (ESKAPE pathogens). We now report results from studies that were designed to investigate the antifungal activity of PepBiotics against a set of medically relevant species encompassing species of Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Fusarium, Malassezia, and Talaromyces. We characterized a subset of PepBiotics and show that these peptides strongly affected metabolic activity and/or growth of a set of medically relevant fungal species, including azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates. PepBiotics showed a strong inhibitory activity against a large variety of filamentous fungi and yeasts species at low concentrations (≤1 μM) and were fungicidal for at least a subset of these fungal species. Interestingly, the concentration of PepBiotics required to interfere with growth or metabolic activity varied between different fungal species or even between isolates of the same fungal species. This study shows that PepBiotics display strong potential for use as novel antifungal compounds to fight a large variety of clinically relevant fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin van Eijk
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Boerefijn
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lida Cen
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marisela Rosa
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marnix J H Morren
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis K van der Ent
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Kraak
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Dijksterhuis
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan D Valdes
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk P Haagsman
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans de Cock
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Behroozian S, Svensson SL, Li LY, Davies JE. Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of a Natural Clay Mineral from British Columbia, Canada. mBio 2020; 11:e02350-20. [PMID: 33024043 PMCID: PMC7542368 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02350-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide increases in antibiotic resistance and the dearth of new antibiotics have created a global crisis in the treatment of infectious diseases. These concerns highlight the pressing need for novel antimicrobial agents. Natural clay minerals have a long history of therapeutic and biomedical applications and have lately received specific attention for their potent antimicrobial properties. In particular, Kisameet clay (KC) has strong antibacterial activity against a variety of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens in vitro Here, we have extended the known spectrum of activity of KC by demonstrating its efficacy against two major fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans In addition, KC also exhibits potent activity against the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium marinum, a model organism for M. ulcerans infection. Moreover, aqueous KC leachates (KC-L) exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, eradicated Gram-negative and Gram-positive biofilms, and prevented their formation. The mechanism(s) underlying KC antibacterial activity appears to be complex. Adjusting KC-L to neutral pH rendered it inactive, indicating a contribution of pH, although low pH alone was insufficient for its antibacterial activity. Treatment of KC minerals with cation-chelating agents such as EDTA, 2,2'-bipyridyl, and deferoxamine reduced the antibacterial activity, while supplementation of KC-L with these chelating agents eliminated the inhibitory activity. Together, the data suggest a positive role for divalent and trivalent cations, including iron and aluminum, in bacterial inhibition by KC. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the range of KC bioactivity and provide a better understanding of the mechanism underlying its antibacterial effects.IMPORTANCE The escalating emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, together with the paucity of novel antimicrobial agents in antibiotic development, is recognized as a worldwide public health crisis. Kisameet clay (KC), found in British Columbia (BC), Canada, is a clay mineral with a long history of therapeutic applications among people of the First Nations. We previously reported the antibacterial activity of KC against a group of MDR clinical pathogens. Here, we demonstrate its activity against two major human-pathogenic fungal species, as well as against bacterial biofilms, which underlie many recalcitrant bacterial infections. In these studies, we also identified several geochemical characteristics of KC, such as metal ions and low pH, which are involved in its antibacterial activity. These findings provide a better understanding of the components of KC antibacterial activity and a basis for developing defined preparations of this clay mineral for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekooh Behroozian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah L Svensson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julian E Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Mookherjee N, Anderson MA, Haagsman HP, Davidson DJ. Antimicrobial host defence peptides: functions and clinical potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:311-332. [DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Alteration of Fermentative Metabolism Enhances Mucor circinelloides Virulence. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00434-19. [PMID: 31685547 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00434-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus Mucor circinelloides undergoes yeast-mold dimorphism, a developmental process associated with its capability as a human opportunistic pathogen. Dimorphism is strongly influenced by carbon metabolism, and hence the type of metabolism likely affects fungus virulence. We investigated the role of ethanol metabolism in M. circinelloides virulence. A mutant in the adh1 gene (M5 strain) exhibited higher virulence than the wild-type (R7B) and the complemented (M5/pEUKA-adh1 +) strains, which were nonvirulent when tested in a mouse infection model. Cell-free culture supernatant (SS) from the M5 mutant showed increased toxic effect on nematodes compared to that from R7B and M5/pEUKA-adh1 + strains. The concentration of acetaldehyde excreted by strain M5 in the SS was higher than that from R7B, which correlated with the acute toxic effect on nematodes. Remarkably, strain M5 showed higher resistance to H2O2, resistance to phagocytosis, and invasiveness in mouse tissues and induced an enhanced systemic inflammatory response compared with R7B. The mice infected with strain M5 under disulfiram treatment exhibited only half the life expectancy of those infected with M5 alone, suggesting that acetaldehyde produced by M. circinelloides contributes to the toxic effect in mice. These results demonstrate that the failure in fermentative metabolism, in the step of the production of ethanol in M. circinelloides, contributes to its virulence, inducing a more severe tissue burden and inflammatory response in mice as a consequence of acetaldehyde overproduction.
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Malacco NL, Souza JA, Mendes AC, Rachid MA, Kraemer LR, Mattos MS, Lima GN, Sousa LP, Souza DG, Pinho V, Teixeira MM, Russo RC, Soriani FM. Acute lung injury and repair induced by single exposure of Aspergillus fumigatus in immunocompetent mice. Future Microbiol 2020; 14:1511-1525. [PMID: 31913059 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Characterize the course of acute Aspergillus fumigatus lung infection in immunocompetent mice, investigating the immunological, pathological and tissue functional modifications. Materials & methods: C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with A. fumigatus conidia and euthanized to access inflammatory parameters. Results: Mice infected with A. fumigatus showed an inoculum-dependent lethality and body weight loss. An intense proinflammatory cytokine release, neutrophil infiltrate and pulmonary dysfunction was also observed in the early phase of infection. In the late phase of infection, proresolving mediators release, apoptosis and efferocytosis increased and lung tissue architecture is restored. Conclusion: Our study characterized an immunocompetent model of acute pulmonary Aspergillus infection in mice and opened an array of possibilities for investigations on interactions of A. fumigatus with host-immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália Lso Malacco
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Am Souza
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Aline C Mendes
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Milene A Rachid
- Laboratório de Patologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas R Kraemer
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Mecânica Pulmonar, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Matheus S Mattos
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Mecânica Pulmonar, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Graziele N Lima
- Laboratório de Sinalização da Inflamação, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lirlândia P Sousa
- Laboratório de Sinalização da Inflamação, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniele G Souza
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo Hospedeiro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Pinho
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Remo C Russo
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Mecânica Pulmonar, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Frederico M Soriani
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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43
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Jiang L, Chen S, Sun K, Zhou P, Wei X. Intracellular cAMP Measurements in Candida albicans Biofilms. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3461. [PMID: 33654947 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Infection by C. albicans is closely associated with its ability to form a biofilm, closely packed communities of cells attached to the surfaces of human tissues and implanted devices, in or on the host. When tested for susceptibility to antifungals, such as polyenes, azoles, and allylamines, C. albicans cells in a biofilm are more resistant to antifungal agents than C. albicans cells in the planktonic form. Cyclic Adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is one of the key elements for triggering hyphal and biofilm formation in C. albicans. It is hard to detect or extract molecular markers (e.g., cAMP) from C. albicans biofilms because the biofilms have a complex three-dimensional architecture with an extracellular matrix surrounding the cell walls of the cells in the biofilm. Here, we present an improved protocol that can effectively measure the level of intracellular cAMP in C. albicans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuliu Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Medicine, Stomatology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengyan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Medicine, Stomatology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kairui Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Medicine, Stomatology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Medicine, Stomatology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Oral Medicine, Stomatology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Dalla Lana DF, Batista BG, da Rosa Machado G, Teixeira ML, de Oliveira LFS, Machado MM, de Andrade SF, Lopes W, Vainstein MH, de Abreu Lima AP, Pandolfi E, Silva EE, Fuentefria AM, Silveira GP. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel 2-substituted 1,4-benzenediol library as antimicrobial agents against clinically relevant pathogens. Saudi Pharm J 2019; 27:1064-1074. [PMID: 31885466 PMCID: PMC6921195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of new antimicrobial agents, capable of combating resistant and multidrug-resistant fungal and bacterial clinical strains, is necessary. This study presents the synthesis and antimicrobial screening of 42 2-substituted-1,4-benzenediols, being 10 novel compounds. In total, 23 compounds showed activity against fungi and/or bacteria. Benzenediol compounds 2, 5, 6, 8, 11, and 12 demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial actions, including resistant and multidrug-resistant species of dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes), Candida spp. and the ESKAPE panel of bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of these compounds for fungi and bacterial strains ranged from 25 to 50 µg/ml and 8-128 µg/ml, respectively. The antifungal mechanism of action is related to the fungal cell wall of dermatophytes and membrane disruption to dermatophytes and yeasts, in the presence of compound 8. Specific structural changes, such as widespread thinning along the hyphae and yeast lysis, were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The effects of compound 8 on cell viability are dose-dependent; however they did not cause genotoxicity and mutagenicity in human leukocyte cells nor haemolysis. Moreover, the compounds were identified as nonirritant by the ex-vivo Hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM). The furan-1,4-benzenediol compound 5 showed in vivo efficacy to combat S. aureus infection using embryonated chicken eggs. Therefore, the compounds 8, and 5 are promising as hits for the development of new antimicrobial drugs with reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane Flores Dalla Lana
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Department of Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Gerardon Batista
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Department of Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriella da Rosa Machado
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Department of Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mário Lettieri Teixeira
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina, Concordia, SC, Brazil
| | - Luís Flávio Souza de Oliveira
- Center for Studies in Biochemistry, Immunology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Michel Mansur Machado
- Center for Studies in Biochemistry, Immunology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Saulo Fernandes de Andrade
- Department of Raw Materials Production, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - William Lopes
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marilene Henning Vainstein
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Peixoto de Abreu Lima
- Laboratorio de Síntesis Orgánica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, CP11800, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Enrique Pandolfi
- Laboratorio de Síntesis Orgánica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, CP11800, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Edilma Elayne Silva
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Department of Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Pozza Silveira
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Lee DJ, O'Donnell H, Routier FH, Tiralongo J, Haselhorst T. Glycobiology of Human Fungal Pathogens: New Avenues for Drug Development. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111348. [PMID: 31671548 PMCID: PMC6912366 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are an increasing threat to the developing world, with fungal spores being ubiquitous and inhaled every day. Some fungal species are commensal organisms that are part of the normal human microbiota, and, as such, do not pose a threat to the immune system. However, when the natural balance of this association is disturbed or the host's immune system is compromised, these fungal pathogens overtake the organism, and cause IFI. To understand the invasiveness of these pathogens and to address the growing problem of IFI, it is essential to identify the cellular processes of the invading organism and their virulence. In this review, we will discuss the prevalence and current options available to treat IFI, including recent reports of drug resistance. Nevertheless, the main focus of this review is to describe the glycobiology of human fungal pathogens and how various components of the fungal cell wall, particularly cell wall polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, are involved in fungal pathogenicity, their biosynthesis and how they can be potentially exploited to develop novel antifungal treatment options. We will specifically describe the nucleotide sugar transporters (NSTs) that are important in fungal survival and suggest that the inhibition of fungal NSTs may potentially be useful to prevent the establishment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Lee
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Member of Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Nikolai-Fuchs Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Holly O'Donnell
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Member of Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Nikolai-Fuchs Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Françoise H Routier
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry OE4340, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Member of Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Nikolai-Fuchs Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Joe Tiralongo
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Member of Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Nikolai-Fuchs Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas Haselhorst
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, 4222, Australia; Member of Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Nikolai-Fuchs Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Fungal dissemination is limited by liver macrophage filtration of the blood. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4566. [PMID: 31594939 PMCID: PMC6783440 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12381-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal dissemination into the bloodstream is a critical step leading to invasive fungal infections. Here, using intravital imaging, we show that Kupffer cells (KCs) in the liver have a prominent function in the capture of circulating Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans, thereby reducing fungal dissemination to target organs. Complement C3 but not C5, and complement receptor CRIg but not CR3, are involved in capture of C. neoformans. Internalization of C. neoformans by KCs is subsequently mediated by multiple receptors, including CR3, CRIg, and scavenger receptors, which work synergistically along with C5aR signaling. Following phagocytosis, the growth of C. neoformans is inhibited by KCs in an IFN-γ independent manner. Thus, the liver filters disseminating fungi from circulation via KCs, providing a mechanistic explanation for the enhanced risk of cryptococcosis among individuals with liver diseases, and suggesting a therapeutic strategy to prevent fungal dissemination through enhancing KC functions. Patients with liver diseases are at increased risk of fungal infections. Here the authors show that Kupffer cells are critical for the filtration of fungi out of the blood and thereby for liver-mediated protection against disseminating fungal infection.
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47
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Linolenic acid-modified MPEG-PEI micelles for encapsulation of amphotericin B. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:2647-2662. [PMID: 31621420 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To encapsulate amphotericin B (AmB) with reduced toxicity and comparable activity. Results & methodology: The α-linolenic acid (ALA)-modified monomethoxy polyethylene glycol-g-PEI-g-ALA conjugate was employed to prepare AmB-loaded micelles (AmB-M). In vitro activity and release behavior of AmB-M were investigated. AmB-M enhanced AmB's water-solubility to 1.2 mg/ml, showing good storage stability. AmB-M could achieve a sustained and slow release of AmB, low hemolysis activity and negligible kidney toxicity when compared with commercial AmB injection. Antifungal activity and biofilm inhibition experiments confirmed that the antifungal activity of AmB-M against Candida albicans was similar to that of AmB injection. Conclusion: Monomethoxy polyethylene glycol-g-PEI-g-ALA micelles could be a preferable choice to treat systemic fungal infections as an efficient drug delivery system.
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Naranjo‐Ortiz MA, Gabaldón T. Fungal evolution: major ecological adaptations and evolutionary transitions. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1443-1476. [PMID: 31021528 PMCID: PMC6850671 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are a highly diverse group of heterotrophic eukaryotes characterized by the absence of phagotrophy and the presence of a chitinous cell wall. While unicellular fungi are far from rare, part of the evolutionary success of the group resides in their ability to grow indefinitely as a cylindrical multinucleated cell (hypha). Armed with these morphological traits and with an extremely high metabolical diversity, fungi have conquered numerous ecological niches and have shaped a whole world of interactions with other living organisms. Herein we survey the main evolutionary and ecological processes that have guided fungal diversity. We will first review the ecology and evolution of the zoosporic lineages and the process of terrestrialization, as one of the major evolutionary transitions in this kingdom. Several plausible scenarios have been proposed for fungal terrestralization and we here propose a new scenario, which considers icy environments as a transitory niche between water and emerged land. We then focus on exploring the main ecological relationships of Fungi with other organisms (other fungi, protozoans, animals and plants), as well as the origin of adaptations to certain specialized ecological niches within the group (lichens, black fungi and yeasts). Throughout this review we use an evolutionary and comparative-genomics perspective to understand fungal ecological diversity. Finally, we highlight the importance of genome-enabled inferences to envision plausible narratives and scenarios for important transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Naranjo‐Ortiz
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyDr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona08003Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyDr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona08003Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)08003BarcelonaSpain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 2308010BarcelonaSpain
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Ouyang H, Du T, Zhou H, Wilson IBH, Yang J, Latgé JP, Jin C. Aspergillus fumigatus phosphoethanolamine transferase gene gpi7 is required for proper transportation of the cell wall GPI-anchored proteins and polarized growth. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5857. [PMID: 30971734 PMCID: PMC6458175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In fungi many proteins, which play important roles in maintaining the function of the cell wall and participating in pathogenic processes, are anchored to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. It has been known that modification and removal of phosphoethanolamine (EtN-P) on the second mannose residue in GPI anchors is important for maturation and sorting of GPI anchored proteins in yeast and mammalian cells, but is a step absent from some protist parasites. In Aspergillus fumigatus, an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing invasive aspergillosis in humans, GPI-anchored proteins are known to be involved in cell wall synthesis and virulence. In this report the gene encoding A. fumigatus EtN-P transferase GPI7 was investigated. By deletion of the gpi7 gene, we evaluated the effects of EtN-P modification on the morphogenesis of A. fumigatus and localization of GPI proteins. Our results showed that deletion of the gpi7 gene led to reduced cell membrane GPI anchored proteins, the mis-localization of the cell wall GPI anchored protein Mp1, abnormal polarity, and autophagy in A. fumigatus. Our results suggest that addition of EtN-P of the second mannose on the GPI anchor is essential for transportation and localization of the cell wall GPI-anchored proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haomiao Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ting Du
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Iain B H Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, A-1190, Austria
| | - Jinghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
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Aguado JM, Silva JT, Bouza E. Conclusion and future perspectives on antifungal stewardship. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 71:ii43-ii44. [PMID: 27880669 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jose María Aguado
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario '12 de Octubre', Instituto de Investigación Hospital '12 de Octubre' (i+12), School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Tiago Silva
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario '12 de Octubre', Instituto de Investigación Hospital '12 de Octubre' (i+12), School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Bouza
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario 'Gregorio Marañón', Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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