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Omelchuk O, Tevyashova A, Efimova S, Grammatikova N, Bychkova E, Zatonsky G, Dezhenkova L, Savin N, Solovieva S, Ostroumova O, Shchekotikhin A. A Study on the Effect of Quaternization of Polyene Antibiotics' Structures on Their Activity, Toxicity, and Impact on Membrane Models. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:608. [PMID: 39061290 PMCID: PMC11274224 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13070608] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyene antibiotics have been used in antifungal therapy since the mid-twentieth century. They are highly valued for their broad spectrum of activity and the rarity of pathogen resistance to their action. However, their use in the treatment of systemic mycoses often results in serious side-effects. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the development of new antifungal drugs based on polyenes, particularly due to the emergence of highly dangerous pathogenic strains of fungi, such as Candida auris, and the increased incidence of mucormycosis. Considerable understanding has been established regarding the structure-biological activity relationships of polyene antifungals. Yet, no previous studies have examined the effect of introducing quaternized fragments into their molecular structure. In this study, we present a series of amides of amphotericin B, nystatin, and natamycin bearing a quaternized group in the side chain, and discuss their biological properties: antifungal activity, cytotoxicity, and effects on lipid bilayers that mimic fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Our research findings suggest that the nature of the introduced quaternized residue plays a more significant role than merely the introduction of a constant positive charge. Among the tested polyenes, derivatives 4b, 5b, and 6b, which contain a fragment of N-methyl-4-(aminomethyl)pyridinium in their structure, are particularly noteworthy due to their biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Omelchuk
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119021, Russia (G.Z.)
| | - Anna Tevyashova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119021, Russia (G.Z.)
- School of Science, Constructor University, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Svetlana Efimova
- Institute of Cytology, The Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Ave., St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.E.); (O.O.)
| | - Natalia Grammatikova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119021, Russia (G.Z.)
| | - Elena Bychkova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119021, Russia (G.Z.)
| | - George Zatonsky
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119021, Russia (G.Z.)
| | - Lyubov Dezhenkova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119021, Russia (G.Z.)
| | - Nikita Savin
- Research Laboratory of Biophysics, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, 4 p.1 Leninsky Pr., Moscow 119049, Russia
| | - Svetlana Solovieva
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119021, Russia (G.Z.)
| | - Olga Ostroumova
- Institute of Cytology, The Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky Ave., St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.E.); (O.O.)
| | - Andrey Shchekotikhin
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119021, Russia (G.Z.)
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Ayhan DH, Abbondante S, Martínez-Soto D, Milo S, Rickelton K, Sohrab V, Kotera S, Arie T, Marshall ME, Rocha MC, Haridas S, Grigoriev IV, Shlezinger N, Pearlman E, Ma LJ. The differential virulence of Fusarium strains causing corneal infections and plant diseases is associated with accessory chromosome composition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.23.595639. [PMID: 38826335 PMCID: PMC11142239 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.23.595639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum is a cross-kingdom pathogen. While some strains cause disseminated fusariosis and blinding corneal infections in humans, others are responsible for devastating vascular wilt diseases in plants. To better understand the distinct adaptations of F. oxysporum to animal or plant hosts, we conducted a comparative phenotypic and genetic analysis of two strains: MRL8996 (isolated from a keratitis patient) and Fol4287 (isolated from a wilted tomato [Solanum lycopersicum]). In vivo infection of mouse corneas and tomato plants revealed that, while both strains cause symptoms in both hosts, MRL8996 caused more severe corneal ulceration and perforation in mice, whereas Fol4287 induced more pronounced wilting symptoms in tomato. In vitro assays using abiotic stress treatments revealed that the human pathogen MRL8996 was better adapted to elevated temperatures, whereas the plant pathogen Fol4287 was more tolerant of osmotic and cell wall stresses. Both strains displayed broad resistance to antifungal treatment, with MRL8996 exhibiting the paradoxical effect of increased tolerance to higher concentrations of the antifungal caspofungin. We identified a set of accessory chromosomes (ACs) and protein-encoding genes with distinct transposon profiles and functions, respectively, between MRL8996 and Fol4287. Interestingly, ACs from both genomes also encode proteins with shared functions, such as chromatin remodeling and post-translational protein modifications. Our phenotypic assays and comparative genomics analyses lay the foundation for future studies correlating genotype with phenotype and for developing targeted antifungals for agricultural and clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilay Hazal Ayhan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Serena Abbondante
- Physiology and Biophysics and Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, USA University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Domingo Martínez-Soto
- Department of Microbiology, Centro de Investigación Científica y Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Shira Milo
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Rickelton
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Vista Sohrab
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Shunsuke Kotera
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Arie
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michaela Ellen Marshall
- Physiology and Biophysics and Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, USA University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Marina Campos Rocha
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sajeet Haridas
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Igor V. Grigoriev
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Neta Shlezinger
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eric Pearlman
- Physiology and Biophysics and Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, USA University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Li-Jun Ma
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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3
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Žiemytė M, Rodríguez-Díaz JC, Ventero-Martín MP, Mira A, Ferrer MD. Real-time monitoring of biofilm growth identifies andrographolide as a potent antifungal compound eradicating Candida biofilms. Biofilm 2023; 5:100134. [PMID: 37396463 PMCID: PMC10313501 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species cause life-threatening infections with high morbidity and mortality rates and their resistance to conventional therapy is closely linked to biofilm formation. Thus, the development of new approaches to study Candida biofilms and the identification of novel therapeutic strategies could yield improved clinical outcomes. In the current study, we have set up an impedance-based in vitro system to study Candida spp. biofilms in real-time and to evaluate their sensitivity to two conventional antifungal groups used in clinical practice - azoles and echinocandins. Both fluconazole and voriconazole were unable to inhibit biofilm formation in most strains tested, while echinocandins showed biofilm inhibitory capacity at relatively low concentrations (starting from 0.625 mg/L). However, assays performed on 24 h Candida albicans and C. glabrata biofilms revealed that micafungin and caspofungin failed to eradicate mature biofilms at all tested concentrations, evidencing that once formed, Candida spp. biofilms are extremely difficult to eliminate using currently available antifungals. We then evaluated the antifungal and anti-biofilm effect of andrographolide, a natural compound isolated from the plant Andrographis paniculata with known antibiofilm activity on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Optical density measures, impedance evaluation, CFU counts, and electron microscopy data showed that andrographolide strongly inhibits planktonic Candida spp. growth and halts Candida spp. biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner in all tested strains. Moreover, andrographolide was capable of eliminating mature biofilms and viable cell numbers by up to 99.9% in the C. albicans and C. glabrata strains tested, suggesting its potential as a new approach to treat multi-resistant Candida spp. biofilm-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miglė Žiemytė
- Genomics & Health Department, FISABIO Foundation, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan C Rodríguez-Díaz
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, ISABIAL, Alicante, Spain
| | - María P Ventero-Martín
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, ISABIAL, Alicante, Spain
| | - Alex Mira
- Genomics & Health Department, FISABIO Foundation, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Center for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER-ESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - María D Ferrer
- Genomics & Health Department, FISABIO Foundation, Valencia, Spain
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Mhlongo JT, Waddad AY, Albericio F, de la Torre BG. Antimicrobial Peptide Synergies for Fighting Infectious Diseases. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300472. [PMID: 37407512 PMCID: PMC10502873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential elements of thehost defense system. Characterized by heterogenous structures and broad-spectrumaction, they are promising candidates for combating multidrug resistance. Thecombined use of AMPs with other antimicrobial agents provides a new arsenal ofdrugs with synergistic action, thereby overcoming the drawback of monotherapiesduring infections. AMPs kill microbes via pore formation, thus inhibitingintracellular functions. This mechanism of action by AMPs is an advantage overantibiotics as it hinders the development of drug resistance. The synergisticeffect of AMPs will allow the repurposing of conventional antimicrobials andenhance their clinical outcomes, reduce toxicity, and, most significantly,prevent the development of resistance. In this review, various synergies ofAMPs with antimicrobials and miscellaneous agents are discussed. The effect ofstructural diversity and chemical modification on AMP properties is firstaddressed and then different combinations that can lead to synergistic action,whether this combination is between AMPs and antimicrobials, or AMPs andmiscellaneous compounds, are attended. This review can serve as guidance whenredesigning and repurposing the use of AMPs in combination with other antimicrobialagents for enhanced clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T. Mhlongo
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Ayman Y. Waddad
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
- CIBER‐BBNNetworking Centre on BioengineeringBiomaterials and Nanomedicineand Department of Organic ChemistryUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelona08028Spain
| | - Beatriz G. de la Torre
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
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Pinto RM, Yazdani S, Seabra CL, De Jonge M, Izci M, Cruz R, Casal S, Soenen SJ, Reis S, Nunes C, Van Dijck P. Non disseminative nano-strategy against in vivo Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:39. [PMID: 37328504 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00405-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is considered a high priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its high prevalence and the potential to form biofilms. Currently, the available treatments for S. aureus biofilm-associated infections do not target the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix. This matrix is a physical barrier to bactericidal agents, contributing to the increase of antimicrobial tolerance. The present work proposes the development of lipid nanoparticles encapsulating caspofungin (CAS) as a matrix-disruptive nanosystem. The nanoparticles were functionalized with D-amino acids to target the matrix. In a multi-target nano-strategy against S. aureus biofilms, CAS-loaded nanoparticles were combined with a moxifloxacin-loaded nanosystem, as an adjuvant to promote the EPS matrix disruption. In vitro and in vivo studies showed biofilm reduction after combining the two nanosystems. Besides, the combinatory therapy showed no signs of bacterial dissemination into vital organs of mice, while dissemination was observed for the treatment with the free compounds. Additionally, the in vivo biodistribution of the two nanosystems revealed their potential to reach and accumulate in the biofilm region, after intraperitoneal administration. Thus, this nano-strategy based on the encapsulation of matrix-disruptive and antibacterial agents is a promising approach to fight S. aureus biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita M Pinto
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Saleh Yazdani
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Catarina Leal Seabra
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Martine De Jonge
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mukaddes Izci
- NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rebeca Cruz
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Casal
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stefaan J Soenen
- NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Salette Reis
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Nunes
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
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Fernandes L, Costa R, Silva S, Henriques M, Costa-de-Oliveira S, Rodrigues ME. Effect of Vapor-Phase Oregano Essential Oil on Resistant Candida Species Biofilms: Mechanisms of Action. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0512422. [PMID: 36971589 PMCID: PMC10100680 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05124-22] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most prevalent vaginal infectious diseases. The increasing incidence of drug-resistant Candida strains and the limited therapeutic options make the discovery of effective alternative therapies fundamental. Essential oils (EOs) have been suggested as a promising alternative, and interestingly, vapor-phase essential oils (VP-EOs) present more advantages than their direct application. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of oregano VP-EO (VP-OEO) on biofilms of antifungal-resistant vaginal isolates of Candida species (Candida albicans and Candida glabrata) and determine its mode of action. CFU, membrane integrity, and metabolic activity were evaluated. Furthermore, a reconstituted vaginal epithelium was used to mimic vaginal conditions and evaluate the effect of VP-OEO on Candida species infection, analyzed by DNA quantification, microscopy, and lactate dehydrogenase activity. The results revealed high VP-OEO antifungal activity. There was a significant reduction (>4 log CFU) in Candida species biofilms. Furthermore, the results show that the mechanisms of action of VP-OEO are related to membrane integrity and metabolic activity. The epithelium model confirms the effectiveness of VP-OEO. This study suggests that VP-EO can be considered a first approach for the development of an alternative form of VVC treatment. IMPORTANCE This work presents a new approach to the application of essential oils, exposure to the vapor phase, which can be considered a first approach for the development of a complementary or alternative form of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) treatment. VVC is a significant infection caused by Candida species and remains a common disease that affects millions of women every year. The great difficulty in treating VVC and the extremely limited effective therapeutic options make the development of alternative treatments crucial. In this scope, this study aims to contribute to the development of effective, inexpensive, and nontoxic strategies for the prevention and treatment of this infectious disease, based on natural products. Moreover, this new approach has several advantages for women, such as lower costs, easy access, an easier mode of application, avoidance of skin contact, and, therefore, fewer negative impacts on women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Fernandes
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS—Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Raquel Costa
- Aromas Aqua Spa—Clínica Saúde, Vila Verde, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS—Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS—Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sofia Costa-de-Oliveira
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research—CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria E. Rodrigues
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LMaS—Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada à Saúde, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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The Role of Sfp1 in Candida albicans Cell Wall Maintenance. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8111196. [PMID: 36422017 PMCID: PMC9692975 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111196] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell wall is the first interface for Candida albicans interaction with the surrounding environment and the host cells. Therefore, maintenance of cell wall integrity (CWI) is crucial for C. albicans survival and host-pathogen interaction. In response to environmental stresses, C. albicans undergoes cell wall remodeling controlled by multiple signaling pathways and transcription regulators. Here, we explored the role of the transcription factor Sfp1 in CWI. A deletion of the SFP1 gene not only caused changes in cell wall properties, cell wall composition and structure but also modulated expression of cell wall biosynthesis and remodeling genes. In addition, Cas5 is a known transcription regulator for C. albicans CWI and cell wall stress response. Interestingly, our results indicated that Sfp1 negatively controls the CAS5 gene expression by binding to its promoter element. Together, this study provides new insights into the regulation of C. albicans CWI and stress response.
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Pharmacokinetic profile of sarcin and thionin from Aspergillus giganteus and in vitro validation against human fungal pathogen. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231624. [PMID: 35924795 PMCID: PMC9469106 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are more predominant in agricultural and clinical fields. Aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus leads to respiratory failure in patients along with various illnesses. Due to the limitation of antifungal therapy and antifungal drugs, there is an emergence to develop efficient antifungal compounds (AFCs) from natural sources to cure and prevent fungal infections. The present study deals with the investigation of the mechanism of the active compounds from Aspergillus giganteus against aspergillosis. Primarily, the bioavailability and toxicological properties of antifungal proteins such as, sarcin, thionin, chitinase and their derivatives have proved the efficiency of pharmacokinetic properties of selected compounds. Molecular interactions of selected compounds from A. giganteus with the virulence proteins of A. fumigatus (UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase, N-myristoyl transferase and Chitinase) have exhibited a good glide score and druggable nature of the AFCs. The antagonistic potential of AFCs on the pathogen was confirmed by SEM analysis where the shrunken and damaged spores of AFCs treated pathogen were observed. The integrity of A. fumigatus cell membrane and nuclear membrane treated with AFCs were analyzed by determining the release of cellular materials. The effective concentration of AFCs was found to be 250 µg/ml (P<0.0001). The GC-MS profiling has revealed the volatile bioactive metabolites present in A. giganteus. Further, interaction studies might provide more information on the synergism activity with the non-volatile metabolites which leads to the development of novel drugs for the treatment of aspergillosis.
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Jin Z, Dong YT, Liu S, Liu J, Qiu XR, Zhang Y, Zong H, Hou WT, Guo SY, Sun YF, Chen SM, Dong HQ, Li YY, An MM, Shen H. Potential of Polyethyleneimine as an Adjuvant To Prepare Long-Term and Potent Antifungal Nanovaccine. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843684. [PMID: 35651617 PMCID: PMC9149211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Candida albicans infections are particularly prevalent in immunocompromised patients. Even with appropriate treatment with current antifungal drugs, the mortality rate of invasive candidiasis remains high. Many positive results have been achieved in the current vaccine development. There are also issues such as the vaccine's protective effect is not persistent. Considering the functionality and cost of the vaccine, it is important to develop safe and efficient new vaccines with long-term effects. In this paper, an antifungal nanovaccine with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) as adjuvant was constructed, which could elicit more effective and long-term immunity via stimulating B cells to differentiate into long-lived plasma cells. Materials and Methods Hsp90-CTD is an important target for protective antibodies during disseminated candidiasis. Hsp90-CTD was used as the antigen, then introduced SDS to "charge" the protein and added PEI to form the nanovaccine. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope were conducted to identify the size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology of nanovaccine. The antibody titers in mice immunized with the nanovaccine were measured by ELISA. The activation and maturation of long-lived plasma cells in bone marrow by nanovaccine were also investigated via flow cytometry. Finally, the kidney of mice infected with Candida albicans was stained with H&E and PAS to evaluate the protective effect of antibody in serum produced by immunized mice. Results Nanoparticles (NP) formed by Hsp90-CTD and PEI are small, uniform, and stable. NP had an average size of 116.2 nm with a PDI of 0.13. After immunizing mice with the nanovaccine, it was found that the nano-group produced antibodies faster and for a longer time. After 12 months of immunization, mice still had high and low levels of antibodies in their bodies. Results showed that the nanovaccine could promote the differentiation of B cells into long-lived plasma cells and maintain the long-term existence of antibodies in vivo. After immunization, the antibodies in mice could protect the mice infected by C. albicans. Conclusion As an adjuvant, PEI can promote the differentiation of B cells into long-lived plasma cells to maintain long-term antibodies in vivo. This strategy can be adapted for the future design of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Ting Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Ran Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zong
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Tong Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Fang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Min Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Qing Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Yong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mao-Mao An
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Pharmacodynamics of Moxifloxacin, Meropenem, Caspofungin and their Combinations Against In Vitro Polymicrobial Inter-kingdom Biofilms. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 66:e0214921. [PMID: 34930026 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02149-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms colonize medical devices and are often recalcitrant to antibiotics. Inter-kingdom biofilms, when at least a bacterium and a fungus are co-isolated, increase the likelihood of therapeutic failures. In this work, a three-species in vitro biofilm model including S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans was used to study the activity of the antibiotics moxifloxacin and meropenem, the antifungal caspofungin, and combinations of them against inter-kingdom biofilms. The culturable cells and total biomass were evaluated to determine the pharmacodynamic parameters of the drug response for the incubation with the drugs alone. The synergic or antagonistic effects (increased/decreased effects) of the combination of drugs were analysed with the highest single agent method. Biofilms were imaged in confocal microscopy after live/dead staining. The drugs had limited activity when used alone against single-, dual- or three-species biofilms. When used in combination, additive effects were observed against single- or dual-species biofilms, and increased effects (synergy) against biomass of three-species biofilms. In addition, the two antibiotics showed different patterns, moxifloxacin being more active when targeting S. aureus and meropenem when targeting E. coli. All these observations were confirmed by confocal microscopy images. Our findings highlight the interest in combining caspofungin with antibiotics against inter-kingdom biofilms.
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Hijikata H, Mochizuki T, Tanifuji O, Kawashima H. Analyzing Different Elution Profiles of Echinocandins In Vitro from the Antibiotic-Loaded Bone Cement Comprising Apatite or Polymethylmethacrylate. J Med Biol Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40846-021-00672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Scheunemann G, Fortes BN, Lincopan N, Ishida K. Caspofungin Inhibits Mixed Biofilms of Candida albicans and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Displays Effectiveness in Coinfected Galleria mellonella Larvae. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0074421. [PMID: 34643410 PMCID: PMC8515925 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00744-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are pathogens commonly isolated from bloodstream infections worldwide. While coinfection by both pathogens is associated with mixed biofilms and more severe clinical manifestations, due to the combined expression of virulence and resistance factors, effective treatments remain a challenge. In this study, we evaluated the activity of echinocandins, especially caspofungin, against mixed biofilms of C. albicans and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) or methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and their effectiveness in vivo using the Galleria mellonella coinfection model. Although caspofungin (CAS) and micafungin (MFG) inhibited the mixed biofilm formation, with CAS exhibiting inhibitory activity at lower concentrations, only CAS was active against preformed mixed biofilms. CAS significantly decreased the total biomass of mixed biofilms at concentrations of ≥2 μg/ml, whereas the microbial viability was reduced at high concentrations (32 to 128 μg/ml), leading to fungus and bacterium cell wall disruption and fungal cell enlargement. Notably, CAS (20 or 50 mg/kg of body weight) treatment led to an increased survival and improved outcomes of G. mellonella larvae coinfected with C. albicans and MRSA, since a significant reduction of fungal and bacterial burden in larval tissues was achieved with induction of granuloma formation. Our results reveal that CAS can be a therapeutic option for the treatment of mixed infections caused by C. albicans and S. aureus, supporting additional investigation. IMPORTANCE Infections by microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials is a major challenge that leads to high morbidity and mortality rates and increased time and cost with hospitalization. It was estimated that 27 to 56% of bloodstream infections by C. albicans are polymicrobial, with S. aureus being one of the microorganisms commonly coisolated worldwide. About 80% of infections are associated with biofilms by single or mixed species that can be formed on invasive medical devices, e.g., catheter, and are considered a dissemination source. The increased resistance to antimicrobials in bacterial and fungal cells when they are in biofilms is the most medically relevant behavior that frequently results in therapeutic failure. Although there are several studies evaluating treatments for polymicrobial infections associated or not with biofilms, there is still no consensus on an effective antimicrobial therapy to combat the coinfection by bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby Scheunemann
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna N. Fortes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly Ishida
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Amaral JL, Souza PFN, Oliveira JTA, Freire VN, Sousa DOB. Computational approach, scanning electron and fluorescence microscopies revealed insights into the action mechanisms of anticandidal peptide Mo-CBP 3-PepIII. Life Sci 2021; 281:119775. [PMID: 34186044 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The Candida genus is composed of opportunistic pathogens that threaten public health. Given the increase in resistance to current drugs, it is necessary to develop new drugs to treat infections by these pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides are promising alternative molecules with low cost, broad action spectrum and low resistance induction. This study aimed to clarify the action mechanisms of synthetic peptides against Candida albicans. MAIN METHODS The mode of action of the anticandidal peptides Mo-CBP3-PepIII were analyzed through molecular dynamics and quantum biochemistry methods against Exo-β-1,3-glucanase (EXG), vital to cell wall metabolism. Furthermore, scanning electron (SEM) and fluorescence (FM) microscopies were employed to corroborate the in silico data. KEY FINDINGS Mo-CBP3-PepIII strongly interacted with EXG (-122.2 kcal mol-1) at the active site, higher than the commercial inhibitor pepstatin. Also, molecular dynamics revealed the insertion of Mo-CBP3-PepIII into the yeast membrane. SEM analyses revealed that Mo-CBP3-PepIII induced cracks and scars of the cell wall and FM analyses confirmed the pore formation on the Candida membrane. SIGNIFICANCE Mo-CBP3-PepIII has strong potential as a new drug with a broad spectrum of action, given its different mode of action compared to conventional drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil; Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil.
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Valder N Freire
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Daniele O B Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil.
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Černáková L, Roudbary M, Brás S, Tafaj S, Rodrigues CF. Candida auris: A Quick Review on Identification, Current Treatments, and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4470. [PMID: 33922907 PMCID: PMC8123192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a novel and major fungal pathogen that has triggered several outbreaks in the last decade. The few drugs available to treat fungal diseases, the fact that this yeast has a high rate of multidrug resistance and the occurrence of misleading identifications, and the ability of forming biofilms (naturally more resistant to drugs) has made treatments of C. auris infections highly difficult. This review intends to quickly illustrate the main issues in C. auris identification, available treatments and the associated mechanisms of resistance, and the novel and alternative treatment and drugs (natural and synthetic) that have been recently reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Černáková
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
| | - Susana Brás
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO—‘Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira’, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Silva Tafaj
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital “Shefqet Ndroqi”, 1044 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Célia F. Rodrigues
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Alonso-Monge R, Guirao-Abad JP, Sánchez-Fresneda R, Pla J, Yagüe G, Argüelles JC. The Fungicidal Action of Micafungin is Independent on Both Oxidative Stress Generation and HOG Pathway Signaling in Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121867. [PMID: 33256159 PMCID: PMC7768384 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In fungi, the Mitogen-Activated Protein kinase (MAPK) pathways sense a wide variety of environmental stimuli, leading to cell adaptation and survival. The HOG pathway plays an essential role in the pathobiology of Candida albicans, including the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract in a mouse model, virulence, and response to stress. Here, we examined the role of Hog1 in the C. albicans response to the clinically relevant antifungal Micafungin (MF), whose minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was identical in the parental strain (RM100) and in the isogenic homozygous mutant hog1 (0.016 mg/L). The cell viability was impaired without significant differences between the parental strain, the isogenic hog1 mutant, and the Hog1+ reintegrant. This phenotype was quite similar in a collection of hog1 mutants constructed in a different C. albicans background. MF-treated cells failed to induce a relevant increase of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and activation of the mitochondrial membrane potential in parental and hog1 cells. MF was also unable to trigger any significant activation of the genes coding for the antioxidant activities catalase (CAT1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2), as well as on the corresponding enzymatic activities, whereas a clear induction was observed in the presence of Amphotericin B (AMB), introduced as a positive control of Hog1 signaling. Furthermore, Hog1 was not phosphorylated by the addition of MF, but, notably, this echinocandin caused Mkc1 phosphorylation. Our results strongly suggest that the toxic effect of MF on C. albicans cells is not mediated by the Hog1 MAPK and is independent of the generation of an internal oxidative stress in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Alonso-Monge
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.P.G.-A.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: (R.A.-M.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +34-91-3941888 (R.A.-M.); +34-868-887131 (J.C.A.); Fax: +34-91-3941745 (R.A.-M.); Phone: Fax: +34-868-993963 (J.C.A.)
| | - José P. Guirao-Abad
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.P.G.-A.); (J.P.)
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Ruth Sánchez-Fresneda
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Jesús Pla
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Unidad de Microbiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.P.G.-A.); (J.P.)
| | - Genoveva Yagüe
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Juan Carlos Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (R.A.-M.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +34-91-3941888 (R.A.-M.); +34-868-887131 (J.C.A.); Fax: +34-91-3941745 (R.A.-M.); Phone: Fax: +34-868-993963 (J.C.A.)
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