1
|
Heilig L, Natasha F, Trinks N, Aimanianda V, Wong SSW, Fontaine T, Terpitz U, Strobel L, Le Mauff F, Sheppard DC, Schäuble S, Kurzai O, Hünniger K, Weiss E, Vargas M, Howell PL, Panagiotou G, Wurster S, Einsele H, Loeffler J. CD56-mediated activation of human natural killer cells is triggered by Aspergillus fumigatus galactosaminogalactan. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012315. [PMID: 38889192 PMCID: PMC11216564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal for antifungal defense. Thus far, CD56 is the only known pathogen recognition receptor on NK cells triggering potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms and the fungal ligand of CD56 have remained unknown. Using purified cell wall components, biochemical treatments, and ger mutants with altered cell wall composition, we herein found that CD56 interacts with the A. fumigatus cell wall carbohydrate galactosaminogalactan (GAG). This interaction induced NK-cell activation, degranulation, and secretion of immune-enhancing chemokines and cytotoxic effectors. Supernatants from GAG-stimulated NK cells elicited antifungal activity and enhanced antifungal effector responses of polymorphonuclear cells. In conclusion, we identified A. fumigatus GAG as a ligand of CD56 on human primary NK cells, stimulating potent antifungal effector responses and activating other immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Heilig
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Fariha Natasha
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Trinks
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Department of Mycology, Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Sze Wah Wong
- Department of Mycology, Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE, USC2019, Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Ulrich Terpitz
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lea Strobel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - François Le Mauff
- Infectious Disease in Global Health Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Canada
| | - Donald C. Sheppard
- Infectious Disease in Global Health Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Department of Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene und Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hünniger
- Institute for Hygiene und Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Esther Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Vargas
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - P. Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gianni Panagiotou
- Department of Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wurster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Almajid A, Bazroon A, Al-Awami HM, Albarbari H, Alqahtani I, Almutairi R, Alsuwayj A, Alahmadi F, Aljawad J, Alnimer R, Asiri N, Alajlani S, Alshelali R, Aljishi Y. Fosmanogepix: The Novel Anti-Fungal Agent's Comprehensive Review of in Vitro, in Vivo, and Current Insights From Advancing Clinical Trials. Cureus 2024; 16:e59210. [PMID: 38807795 PMCID: PMC11131969 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Fosmanogepix, a prodrug of Manogepix (MGX), is a groundbreaking antifungal agent with broad-spectrum activity against yeasts, including Cryptococcus and Candida, as well as molds. It exhibits effectiveness against drug-resistant strains, such as Candida strains resistant to echinocandins and Aspergillus strains resistant to azoles. Furthermore, fosmanogepix shows activity against pathogens that typically resist other classes of drugs, such as Scedosporium, Lomentospora prolificans, and Fusarium, although its efficacy against Mucorales varies. In animal models, fosmanogepix has demonstrated notable effectiveness against disseminated infections caused by various Candida species, Coccidioides immitis, and Fusarium solani. It has also shown efficacy in pulmonary infection models involving Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Scedosporium prolificans, Scedosporium apiospermum, and Rhizopus arrhizus. Clinical trials have revealed excellent oral bioavailability (>90%), enabling a seamless transition between intravenous and oral formulations without compromising blood concentrations. Fosmanogepix exhibits favorable profiles in terms of drug interactions, tolerability, and extensive distribution in various tissues, making it an appealing choice for treating invasive fungal infections. This comprehensive review aims to examine the outcomes of published data on fosmanogepix, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Almajid
- Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Ali Bazroon
- Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | | | | | | | - Rehab Almutairi
- College of Medicine, University of Szeged Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Szeged, HUN
| | - Abbas Alsuwayj
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | | | - Jinan Aljawad
- College of Medicine, University of Szeged Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Szeged, HUN
| | - Razan Alnimer
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, SAU
| | - Nawal Asiri
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU
| | - Shouq Alajlani
- College of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, SAU
| | - Reem Alshelali
- Internal Medicine, King Abdullah Medical Complex, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Yamama Aljishi
- Internal Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kühbacher A, Birch M, Oliver JD, Gsaller F. Anti- Aspergillus activities of olorofim at sub-MIC levels during early-stage growth. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0330423. [PMID: 38315027 PMCID: PMC10913454 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03304-23] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Olorofim, the first member of the novel class of antifungal drugs, the orotomides, shows promising anti-Aspergillus activity and is currently in phase III clinical development. Using high-throughput microscopy, we monitored olorofim's antifungal potential at sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels with a focus on early-stage growth. Unlike voriconazole, olorofim showed significant growth inhibitory activities against three main pathogenic Aspergillus species, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger, at concentrations >100,000-fold below its MIC. IMPORTANCE Among antifungal compounds in clinical development for systemic disease, the orotomide olorofim is one of only two that target a completely new mechanism of action. Olorofim is highly potent against pathogenic Aspergillus species including cryptic species that frequently show increased resistance to current agents. In this study, our primary focus was on evaluating in detail the inhibitory activity of voriconazole and olorofim against different pathogenic Aspergillus species employing high-throughput microscopy. Compared to standardized, less-sensitive visual assessment-based methods, microscopy-assisted growth monitoring allowed us to detect sub-MIC drug concentration ranges with significant inhibitory activity at early-stage growth. This revealed that olorofim exerts growth inhibition at concentrations that are several magnitudes below those of voriconazole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kühbacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Fabio Gsaller
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gómez BL, Escandón P. Fungal infections: A growing threat. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:11-16. [PMID: 37721896 PMCID: PMC10581601 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.7214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz L Gómez
- Grupo de Estudios en Microbiología Translacional y Enfermedades Emergentes (MICROS), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
| | - Patricia Escandón
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wijayawardene NN, Boonyuen N, Ranaweera CB, de Zoysa HKS, Padmathilake RE, Nifla F, Dai DQ, Liu Y, Suwannarach N, Kumla J, Bamunuarachchige TC, Chen HH. OMICS and Other Advanced Technologies in Mycological Applications. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:688. [PMID: 37367624 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060688] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi play many roles in different ecosystems. The precise identification of fungi is important in different aspects. Historically, they were identified based on morphological characteristics, but technological advancements such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing now enable more accurate identification and taxonomy, and higher-level classifications. However, some species, referred to as "dark taxa", lack distinct physical features that makes their identification challenging. High-throughput sequencing and metagenomics of environmental samples provide a solution to identifying new lineages of fungi. This paper discusses different approaches to taxonomy, including PCR amplification and sequencing of rDNA, multi-loci phylogenetic analyses, and the importance of various omics (large-scale molecular) techniques for understanding fungal applications. The use of proteomics, transcriptomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and interactomics provides a comprehensive understanding of fungi. These advanced technologies are critical for expanding the knowledge of the Kingdom of Fungi, including its impact on food safety and security, edible mushrooms foodomics, fungal secondary metabolites, mycotoxin-producing fungi, and biomedical and therapeutic applications, including antifungal drugs and drug resistance, and fungal omics data for novel drug development. The paper also highlights the importance of exploring fungi from extreme environments and understudied areas to identify novel lineages in the fungal dark taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nalin N Wijayawardene
- Centre for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
- Section of Genetics, Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care, No: 393/3, Lily Avenue, Off Robert Gunawardane Mawatha, Battaramulla 10120, Sri Lanka
| | - Nattawut Boonyuen
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Chathuranga B Ranaweera
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Sri Lanka, Kandawala Road, Rathmalana 10390, Sri Lanka
| | - Heethaka K S de Zoysa
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
| | - Rasanie E Padmathilake
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Pulliyankulama, Anuradhapura 50000, Sri Lanka
| | - Faarah Nifla
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
| | - Dong-Qin Dai
- Centre for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| | - Yanxia Liu
- Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, No.29, Longtanba Road, Guanshanhu District, Guiyang 550000, China
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Thushara C Bamunuarachchige
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
| | - Huan-Huan Chen
- Centre for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
- Key Laboratory of Insect-Pollinator Biology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Agricultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
San-Quirico E, Curto MÁ, Gómez-Delgado L, Moreno MB, Pérez P, Ribas JC, Cortés JCG. Analysis of the Localization of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Glucan Synthases in the Presence of the Antifungal Agent Caspofungin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054299. [PMID: 36901728 PMCID: PMC10002279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054299] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, invasive fungal infections have emerged as a common source of infections in immunosuppressed patients. All fungal cells are surrounded by a cell wall that is essential for cell integrity and survival. It prevents cell death and lysis resulting from high internal turgor pressure. Since the cell wall is not present in animal cells, it is an ideal target for selective invasive fungal infection treatments. The antifungal family known as echinocandins, which specifically inhibit the synthesis of the cell wall β(13)glucan, has been established as an alternative treatment for mycoses. To explore the mechanism of action of these antifungals, we analyzed the cell morphology and glucan synthases localization in Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells during the initial times of growth in the presence of the echinocandin drug caspofungin. S. pombe are rod-shaped cells that grow at the poles and divide by a central division septum. The cell wall and septum are formed by different glucans, which are synthesized by four essential glucan synthases: Bgs1, Bgs3, Bgs4, and Ags1. Thus, S. pombe is not only a perfect model for studying the synthesis of the fungal β(1-3)glucan, but also it is ideal for examining the mechanisms of action and resistance of cell wall antifungals. Herein, we examined the cells in a drug susceptibility test in the presence of either lethal or sublethal concentrations of caspofungin, finding that exposure to the drug for long periods at high concentrations (>10 µg/mL) induced cell growth arrest and the formation of rounded, swollen, and dead cells, whereas low concentrations (<10 µg/mL) permitted cell growth with a mild effect on cell morphology. Interestingly, short-term treatments with either high or low concentrations of the drug induced effects contrary to those observed in the susceptibility tests. Thus, low drug concentrations induced a cell death phenotype that was not observed at high drug concentrations, which caused transient fungistatic cell growth arrest. After 3 h, high concentrations of the drug caused the following: (i) a decrease in the GFP-Bgs1 fluorescence level; (ii) altered locations of Bgs3, Bgs4, and Ags1; and (iii) a simultaneous accumulation of cells with calcofluor-stained incomplete septa, which at longer times resulted in septation uncoupling from plasma membrane ingression. The incomplete septa revealed with calcofluor were found to be complete when observed via the membrane-associated GFP-Bgs or Ags1-GFP. Finally, we found that the accumulation of incomplete septa depended on Pmk1, the last kinase of the cell wall integrity pathway.
Collapse
|
7
|
Punia A, Choudhary P, Sharma N, Dahiya S, Gulia P, Chhillar AK. Therapeutic Approaches for Combating Aspergillus Associated Infection. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1465-1488. [PMID: 35748549 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220623164548] [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: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Now-a-days fungal infection emerges as a significant problem to healthcare management systems due to high frequency of associated morbidity, mortality toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and resistance of the antifungal agents. Aspergillus is the most common mold that cause infection in immunocompromised hosts. It's a hyaline mold that is cosmopolitan and ubiquitous in nature. Aspergillus infects around 10 million population each year with a mortality rate of 30-90%. Clinically available antifungal formulations are restricted to four classes (i.e., polyene, triazole, echinocandin, and allylamine), and each of them have their own limitations associated with the activity spectrum, the emergence of resistance, and toxicity. Consequently, novel antifungal agents with modified and altered chemical structures are required to combat these invasive fungal infections. To overcome these limitations, there is an urgent need for new antifungal agents that can act as potent drugs in near future. Currently, some compounds have shown effective antifungal activity. In this review article, we have discussed all potential antifungal therapies that contain old antifungal drugs, combination therapies, and recent novel antifungal formulations, with a focus on the Aspergillus associated infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Punia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Pooja Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Namita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Sweety Dahiya
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Prity Gulia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Anil K Chhillar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lamoth F, Lewis RE, Kontoyiannis DP. Investigational Antifungal Agents for Invasive Mycoses: A Clinical Perspective. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:534-544. [PMID: 34986246 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab1070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remains challenging, because of the limitations of the current antifungal agents (ie, mode of administration, toxicity, and drug-drug interactions) and the emergence of resistant fungal pathogens. Therefore, there is an urgent need to expand our antifungal armamentarium. Several compounds are reaching the stage of phase II or III clinical assessment. These include new drugs within the existing antifungal classes or displaying similar mechanism of activity with improved pharmacologic properties (rezafungin and ibrexafungerp) or first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action (olorofim and fosmanogepix). Although critical information regarding the performance of these agents in heavily immunosuppressed patients is pending, they may provide useful additions to current therapies in some clinical scenarios, including IFIs caused by azole-resistant Aspergillus or multiresistant fungal pathogens (eg, Candida auris, Lomentospora prolificans). However, their limited activity against Mucorales and some other opportunistic molds (eg, some Fusarium spp.) persists as a major unmet need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service and Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital of Lausanne and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Russell E Lewis
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, S'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italyand
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
GR-2397: Review of the Novel Siderophore-like Antifungal Agent for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8090909. [PMID: 36135634 PMCID: PMC9502624 DOI: 10.3390/jof8090909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
GR-2397 (previously VL-2397, ASP2397) is a first-in-class antifungal agent for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis. This siderophore-like molecule resembles ferrichrome; however, it is differentiated by three amino acid changes and an aluminum rather than iron chelate. GR-2397 is transported into fungal cells via the Sit1 transporter, which is not found in humans, leading to fungal specificity. Although the precise mechanism of action is currently unknown, GR-2397 is active against Aspergillus spp. including azole-resistant strains, Fusarium solani, and Candida glabrata in addition to other organisms. Efficacy has been demonstrated in several animal models of invasive aspergillosis, including a 24 h delayed-treatment model where rapid fungicidal activity was observed. Phase 1 single- and multiple-ascending intravenous dose studies showed that GR-2397 was safe and well-tolerated in humans. No signs of GR-2397 accumulation were observed following IV infusions of 300, 600, and 1200 mg every 24 h (q24h) for 7 days. The favorable safety, tolerability and drug–drug interaction profile, along with good tissue distribution, support further development of GR-2397 as a new treatment option for patients with invasive aspergillosis. This systematic review summarizes the published findings of GR-2397.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gebremariam T, Gu Y, Alkhazraji S, Youssef E, Shaw KJ, Ibrahim AS. The Combination Treatment of Fosmanogepix and Liposomal Amphotericin B Is Superior to Monotherapy in Treating Experimental Invasive Mold Infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0038022. [PMID: 35670592 PMCID: PMC9295579 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00380-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), invasive mucormycosis (IM), and invasive fusariosis (IF) are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Fosmanogepix (FMGX) is a first-in-class antifungal in clinical development with demonstrated broad-spectrum activity in animal models of infections. We sought to evaluate the benefit of combination therapy of FMGX plus liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) in severe delayed-treatment models of murine IPA, IM, and IF. While FMGX was equally as effective as L-AMB in prolonging the survival of mice infected with IPA, IM, or IF, combination therapy was superior to monotherapy in all three models. These findings were validated by greater reductions in the tissue fungal burdens (determined by quantitative PCR) of target organs in all three models versus the burdens in infected vehicle-treated (placebo) or monotherapy-treated mice. In general, histopathological examination of target organs corroborated the findings for fungal tissue burdens among all treatment arms. Our results show that treatment with the combination of FMGX plus L-AMB demonstrated high survival rates and fungal burden reductions in severe animal models of invasive mold infections, at drug exposures in mice similar to those achieved clinically. These encouraging results warrant further investigation of the FMGX-plus-L-AMB combination treatment for severely ill patients with IPA, IM, and IF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yiyou Gu
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Sondus Alkhazraji
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Eman Youssef
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | | | - Ashraf S. Ibrahim
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Douglas AP, Smibert OC, Bajel A, Halliday CL, Lavee O, McMullan B, Yong MK, Hal SJ, Chen SC. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of invasive aspergillosis, 2021. Intern Med J 2021; 51 Suppl 7:143-176. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.15591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abby P. Douglas
- Department of Infectious Diseases Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases Austin Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Olivia. C. Smibert
- Department of Infectious Diseases Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases Austin Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Ashish Bajel
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Catriona L. Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Orly Lavee
- Department of Haematology St Vincent's Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Brendan McMullan
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases Sydney Children's Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Michelle K. Yong
- Department of Infectious Diseases Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Sebastiaan J. Hal
- Sydney Medical School University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Sharon C.‐A. Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Brackin AP, Hemmings SJ, Fisher MC, Rhodes J. Fungal Genomics in Respiratory Medicine: What, How and When? Mycopathologia 2021; 186:589-608. [PMID: 34490551 PMCID: PMC8421194 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory infections caused by fungal pathogens present a growing global health concern and are a major cause of death in immunocompromised patients. Worryingly, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome has been shown to predispose some patients to airborne fungal co-infections. These include secondary pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Aspergillosis is most commonly caused by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and primarily treated using the triazole drug group, however in recent years, this fungus has been rapidly gaining resistance against these antifungals. This is of serious clinical concern as multi-azole resistant forms of aspergillosis have a higher risk of mortality when compared against azole-susceptible infections. With the increasing numbers of COVID-19 and other classes of immunocompromised patients, early diagnosis of fungal infections is critical to ensuring patient survival. However, time-limited diagnosis is difficult to achieve with current culture-based methods. Advances within fungal genomics have enabled molecular diagnostic methods to become a fast, reproducible, and cost-effective alternative for diagnosis of respiratory fungal pathogens and detection of antifungal resistance. Here, we describe what techniques are currently available within molecular diagnostics, how they work and when they have been used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelie P. Brackin
- MRC Centre for Global Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sam J. Hemmings
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew C. Fisher
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi have several mechanisms of resistance to antifungal drugs, driven by the genetic plasticity and versatility of their homeostatic responses to stressful environmental cues. We critically review the molecular mechanisms of resistance and cellular adaptations of pathogenic fungi in response to antifungals and discuss the factors contributing to such resistance. We offer suggestions for the translational and clinical research agenda of this rapidly evolving and medically important field. A better understanding of antifungal resistance should assist in developing better detection tools and inform optimal strategies for preventing and treating refractory mycoses in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Ben-Ami
- Infectious Diseases Department, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Infectious Diseases, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Drug Repurposing in Medical Mycology: Identification of Compounds as Potential Antifungals to Overcome the Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant Fungi. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050488. [PMID: 34065420 PMCID: PMC8161392 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunodepression, whether due to HIV infection or organ transplantation, has increased human vulnerability to fungal infections. These conditions have created an optimal environment for the emergence of opportunistic infections, which is concomitant to the increase in antifungal resistance. The use of conventional antifungal drugs as azoles and polyenes can lead to clinical failure, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Difficulties related to treating fungal infections combined with the time required to develop new drugs, require urgent consideration of other therapeutic alternatives. Drug repurposing is one of the most promising and rapid solutions that the scientific and medical community can turn to, with low costs and safety advantages. To treat life-threatening resistant fungal infections, drug repurposing has led to the consideration of well-known and potential molecules as a last-line therapy. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of current antifungal compounds and their main resistance mechanisms, following by an overview of the antifungal activity of non-traditional antimicrobial drugs. We provide their eventual mechanisms of action and the synergistic combinations that improve the activity of current antifungal treatments. Finally, we discuss drug repurposing for the main emerging multidrug resistant (MDR) fungus, including the Candida auris, Aspergillus or Cryptococcus species.
Collapse
|
15
|
Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Fosmanogepix (APX001) in the Treatment of Candida Endophthalmitis and Hematogenous Meningoencephalitis in Nonneutropenic Rabbits. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.01795-20. [PMID: 33361304 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01795-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida endophthalmitis is a serious sight-threatening complication of candidemia that may occur before or during antifungal therapy. Hematogenous Candida meningoencephalitis (HCME) is also a serious manifestation of disseminated candidiasis in premature infants, immunosuppressed children, and immunocompromised adults. We evaluated the antifungal efficacy and pharmacokinetics of the prodrug fosmanogepix (APX001) in a rabbit model of endophthalmitis/HCME. Manogepix (APX001A), the active moiety of prodrug fosmanogepix, inhibits the fungal enzyme Gwt1 and is highly active in vitro and in vivo against Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and other fungal pathogens. Plasma pharmacokinetics of manogepix after oral administration of fosmanogepix on day 6 at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg resulted in maximum concentration of drug in plasma (C max) of 3.96 ± 0.41, 4.14 ± 1.1, and 11.5 ± 1.1 μg/ml, respectively, and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC0-12) of 15.8 ± 3.1, 30.8 ± 5.0, 95.9 ± 14 μg·h/ml, respectively. Manogepix penetrated the aqueous humor, vitreous, and choroid with liquid-to-plasma ratios ranging from 0.19 to 0.52, 0.09 to 0.12, and 0.02 to 0.04, respectively. These concentrations correlated with a significant decrease in Candida albicans burden in vitreous (>101 to 103 log CFU/g) and choroid (>101 to 103 log CFU/g) (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The aqueous humor had no detectable C. albicans in treatment and control groups. The tissue/plasma concentration ratios of manogepix in meninges, cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord were approximately 1:1, which correlated with a >102 to 104 decline of C. albicans in tissue versus control (P ≤ 0.05). Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (1→3)-β-d-glucan levels demonstrated significant declines in response to fosmanogepix treatment. These findings provide an experimental foundation for fosmanogepix in treatment of Candida endophthalmitis and HCME and derisk the clinical trials of candidemia and invasive candidiasis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Shaw KJ, Ibrahim AS. Fosmanogepix: A Review of the First-in-Class Broad Spectrum Agent for the Treatment of Invasive Fungal Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E239. [PMID: 33105672 PMCID: PMC7711534 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fosmanogepix is a first-in-class antifungal currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida, Aspergillus and rare molds. Fosmanogepix is the N-phosphonooxymethylene prodrug of manogepix, an inhibitor of the fungal enzyme Gwt1. Manogepix demonstrates broad spectrum in vitro activity against yeasts and molds, including difficult to treat pathogens. Because of its novel mechanism of action, manogepix retains potency against many resistant strains including echinocandin-resistant Candida and azole-resistant Aspergillus. Manogepix is also active against pathogens that demonstrate intrinsic resistance to other drug classes, such as Scedosporium, Lomentospora prolificans, and Fusarium with variable activity against Mucorales. Fosmanogepix demonstrates significant in vivo efficacy in mouse and rabbit disseminated infection models due to C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. auris, C. tropicalis, Coccidioides immitis, and F. solani as well as pulmonary infection models of A. fumigatus, A. flavus, S. prolificans, S. apiospermum and Rhizopus arrhizus. Clinical trials demonstrated high oral bioavailability (>90%), enabling switching between fosmanogepix intravenous and oral formulations without compromising blood levels. Favorable drug-drug interaction, tolerability, and wide tissue distribution profiles are observed making fosmanogepix an attractive option for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. This systematic review summarizes the findings of published data on fosmanogepix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashraf S. Ibrahim
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yu Y, Albrecht K, Groll J, Beilhack A. Innovative therapies for invasive fungal infections in preclinical and clinical development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:961-971. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1791819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Yu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory for Experimental Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Krystyna Albrecht
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department for Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory for Experimental Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Larkin PMK, Multani A, Beaird OE, Dayo AJ, Fishbein GA, Yang S. A Collaborative Tale of Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, from the Perspectives of Clinical Microbiologists, Surgical Pathologists, and Infectious Disease Clinicians. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E106. [PMID: 32664547 PMCID: PMC7558816 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) refers to a spectrum of Aspergillus-mediated disease that is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with its true prevalence vastly underestimated. The diagnosis of CPA includes characteristic radiographical findings in conjunction with persistent and systemic symptoms present for at least three months, and evidence of Aspergillus infection. Traditionally, Aspergillus infection has been confirmed through histopathology and microbiological studies, including fungal culture and serology, but these methodologies have limitations that are discussed in this review. The treatment of CPA requires an individualized approach and consideration of both medical and surgical options. Most Aspergillus species are considered susceptible to mold-active triazoles, echinocandins, and amphotericin B; however, antifungal resistance is emerging and well documented, demonstrating the need for novel therapies and antifungal susceptibility testing that correlates with clinical response. Here, we describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CPA, with an emphasis on the strengths and pitfalls of diagnostic and treatment approaches, as well as future directions, including whole genome sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. The advancement of molecular technology enables rapid and precise species level identification, and the determination of molecular mechanisms of resistance, bridging the clinical infectious disease, anatomical pathology, microbiology, and molecular biology disciplines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paige M. K. Larkin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (P.M.K.L.); (A.J.D.); (G.A.F.)
- Department of Pathology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
| | - Ashrit Multani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (A.M.); (O.E.B.)
| | - Omer E. Beaird
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (A.M.); (O.E.B.)
| | - Ayrton J. Dayo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (P.M.K.L.); (A.J.D.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Gregory A. Fishbein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (P.M.K.L.); (A.J.D.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Shangxin Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (P.M.K.L.); (A.J.D.); (G.A.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fu Y, Estoppey D, Roggo S, Pistorius D, Fuchs F, Studer C, Ibrahim AS, Aust T, Grandjean F, Mihalic M, Memmert K, Prindle V, Richard E, Riedl R, Schuierer S, Weber E, Hunziker J, Petersen F, Tao J, Hoepfner D. Jawsamycin exhibits in vivo antifungal properties by inhibiting Spt14/Gpi3-mediated biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3387. [PMID: 32636417 PMCID: PMC7341893 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17221-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) is required for anchoring proteins to the plasma membrane, and is essential for the integrity of the fungal cell wall. Here, we use a reporter gene-based screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the discovery of antifungal inhibitors of GPI-anchoring of proteins, and identify the oligocyclopropyl-containing natural product jawsamycin (FR-900848) as a potent hit. The compound targets the catalytic subunit Spt14 (also referred to as Gpi3) of the fungal UDP-glycosyltransferase, the first step in GPI biosynthesis, with good selectivity over the human functional homolog PIG-A. Jawsamycin displays antifungal activity in vitro against several pathogenic fungi including Mucorales, and in vivo in a mouse model of invasive pulmonary mucormycosis due to Rhyzopus delemar infection. Our results provide a starting point for the development of Spt14 inhibitors for treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Fu
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - David Estoppey
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Silvio Roggo
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Pistorius
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Fuchs
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Studer
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ashraf S Ibrahim
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovations at Harbor-University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Thomas Aust
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Grandjean
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mihalic
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Memmert
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vivian Prindle
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Etienne Richard
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Riedl
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sven Schuierer
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eric Weber
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Hunziker
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Petersen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jianshi Tao
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Dominic Hoepfner
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Binder J, Shadkchan Y, Osherov N, Krappmann S. The Essential Thioredoxin Reductase of the Human Pathogenic Mold Aspergillus fumigatus Is a Promising Antifungal Target. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1383. [PMID: 32670238 PMCID: PMC7330004 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of cellular targets for antifungal compounds is a cornerstone for the development of novel antimycotics, for which a significant need exists due to increasing numbers of susceptible patients, emerging pathogens, and evolving resistance. For the human pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus, the causative agent of the opportunistic disease aspergillosis, only a limited number of established targets and corresponding drugs are available. Among several targets that were postulated from a variety of experimental approaches, the conserved thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity encoded by the trxR gene was assessed in this study. Its essentiality could be confirmed following a conditional TetOFF promoter replacement strategy. Relevance of the trxR gene product for oxidative stress resistance was revealed and, most importantly, its requirement for full virulence of A. fumigatus in two different models of infection resembling invasive aspergillosis. Our findings complement the idea of targeting the reductase component of the fungal thioredoxin system for antifungal therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Binder
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yana Shadkchan
- Aspergillus and Antifungal Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Nir Osherov
- Aspergillus and Antifungal Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Sven Krappmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Center of Infection Research, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) are indispensable for controlling life-threatening fungal infections. In addition to various effector mechanisms, PMNs also produce extracellular vesicles (EVs). Their contribution to antifungal defense has remained unexplored. We reveal that the clinically important human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus triggers PMNs to release a distinct set of antifungal EVs (afEVs). Proteome analyses indicated that afEVs are enriched in antimicrobial proteins. The cargo and the release kinetics of EVs are modulated by the fungal strain confronted. Tracking of afEVs indicated that they associated with fungal cells and even entered fungal hyphae, resulting in alterations in the morphology of the fungal cell wall and dose-dependent antifungal effects. To assess as a proof of concept whether the antimicrobial proteins found in afEVs might contribute to growth inhibition of hyphae when present in the fungal cytoplasm, two human proteins enriched in afEVs, cathepsin G and azurocidin, were heterologously expressed in fungal hyphae. This led to reduced fungal growth relative to that of a control strain producing the human retinol binding protein 7. In conclusion, extracellular vesicles produced by neutrophils in response to A. fumigatus infection are able to associate with the fungus, limit growth, and elicit cell damage by delivering antifungal cargo. This finding offers an intriguing, previously overlooked mechanism of antifungal defense against A. fumigatus IMPORTANCE Invasive fungal infections caused by the mold Aspergillus fumigatus are a growing concern in the clinic due to the increasing use of immunosuppressive therapies and increasing antifungal drug resistance. These infections result in high rates of mortality, as treatment and diagnostic options remain limited. In healthy individuals, neutrophilic granulocytes are critical for elimination of A. fumigatus from the host; however, the exact extracellular mechanism of neutrophil-mediated antifungal activity remains unresolved. Here, we present a mode of antifungal defense employed by human neutrophils against A. fumigatus not previously described. We found that extracellular vesicles produced by neutrophils in response to A. fumigatus infection are able to associate with the fungus, limit growth, and elicit cell damage by delivering antifungal cargo. In the end, antifungal extracellular vesicle biology provides a significant step forward in our understanding of A. fumigatus host pathogenesis and opens up novel diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities.
Collapse
|
22
|
Van Dyke MCC, Thompson GR, Galgiani JN, Barker BM. The Rise of Coccidioides: Forces Against the Dust Devil Unleashed. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2188. [PMID: 31572393 PMCID: PMC6749157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is a fungal disease caused by the inhalation of Coccidioides posadasii or C. immitis. This neglected disease occurs in the desert areas of the western United States, most notably in California and Arizona, where infections continue to rise. Clinically, coccidioidomycosis ranges from asymptomatic to severe pulmonary disease and can disseminate to the brain, skin, bones, and elsewhere. New estimates suggest as many as 350,000 new cases of coccidioidomycosis occur in the United States each year. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of a vaccine and new therapeutic drugs against Coccidioides infection. In this review, we discuss the battle against Coccidioides including the development of potential vaccines, the quest for new therapeutic drugs, and our current understanding of the protective host immune response to Coccidioides infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - John N Galgiani
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Bridget M Barker
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Menacing Mold: Recent Advances in Aspergillus Pathogenesis and Host Defense. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:4229-4246. [PMID: 30954573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The genus Aspergillus is ubiquitous in the environment and contains a number of species, primarily A. fumigatus, that cause mold-associated disease in humans. Humans inhale several hundred to several thousand Aspergillus conidia (i.e., vegetative spores) daily and typically clear these in an asymptomatic manner. In immunocompromised individuals, Aspergillus conidia can germinate into tissue-invasive hyphae, disseminate, and cause invasive aspergillosis. In this review, we first discuss novel concepts in host defense against Aspergillus infections and emphasize new insights in fungal recognition and signaling, innate immune activation, and fungal killing. Second, the review focuses on novel concepts of Aspergillus pathogenesis and highlights emerging knowledge regarding fungal strain heterogeneity, stress responses, and metabolic adaptations on infectious outcomes. Mechanistic insight into the host-pathogen interplay is thus critical to define novel druggable fungal targets and to exploit novel immune-based strategies to improve clinical outcomes associated with aspergillosis in vulnerable patient populations.
Collapse
|
24
|
Thompson GR, Lewis JS, Nix DE, Patterson TF. Current Concepts and Future Directions in the Pharmacology and Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis. Med Mycol 2019; 57:S76-S84. [PMID: 30690601 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis remains a significant clinical problem with substantial morbidity and mortality. The vast majority of infections are asymptomatic and the need for early primary therapy remains controversial. The use of triazole antifungals has improved tolerability of therapy but concerns about acute and long-term toxicities among available agents limit their use. In addition, recent findings of decreased in vitro fluconazole susceptibility to as many as 37% of Coccidioides spp. isolates raises concerns regarding optimal therapy for these infections as fluconazole is commonly used for therapy including central nervous system disease. Thus, new agents from novel antifungal classes are currently in preclinical and clinical development aimed at reducing toxicity and improving outcomes of these serious infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George R Thompson
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis; Davis, California, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center; Sacramento, California, USA
| | - James S Lewis
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health & Science University Hospital and Clinics, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David E Nix
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Thomas F Patterson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UT Health San Antonio, and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System; San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
APX001 Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Target Determination against Aspergillus fumigatus in an In Vivo Model of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02372-18. [PMID: 30670426 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02372-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
APX001, the prodrug of APX001A, is a first-in-class antifungal agent that has a potent activity against Aspergillus fumigatus The goal of current study was to determine the pharmacodynamic (PD) index and target of APX001 in an immunocompromised murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis against 6 A. fumigatus isolates. Minimum effective concentration (MEC) values ranged from 0.03 to 0.06 mg/liter. Dose fractionation was performed against isolate AF293 using total doses of APX001 ranging from 81 to 768 mg/kg of body weight/day fractionated into every 3-, 6-, and 8-h regimens over a 96-h treatment duration. Efficacy was assessed by A. fumigatus quantitative PCR (qPCR) of conidial equivalents from lung homogenates. Nonlinear regression analysis using the Hill equation demonstrated that the 24-h area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MEC ratio was the pharmacokinetic (PK)/PD index that best correlated with efficacy (coefficient of determination [R 2] = 0.79). Treatment studies with the remaining strains utilized regimens of 40 to 1,536 mg/kg of APX001 administered every 3 h for a 96-h duration. Exposure-response relationships for all strains were similar, and the median free drug AUC/MEC PK/PD targets for stasis and 1-log-kill endpoints were 47.6 and 89.4, respectively. The present studies demonstrated in vitro and in vivo APX001A/APX001 potency against A. fumigatus These results have potential relevance for clinical dose selection and evaluation of susceptibility breakpoints.
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhao Y, Prideaux B, Baistrocchi S, Sheppard DC, Perlin DS. Beyond tissue concentrations: antifungal penetration at the site of infection. Med Mycol 2019; 57:S161-S167. [PMID: 30816968 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in antifungal therapy, invasive fungal infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. One important factor contributing to the relative ineffectiveness of existing antifungal drugs is insufficient drug exposure at the site of infection. Despite the importance of this aspect of antifungal therapy, we generally lack a full appreciation of how antifungal drugs distribute, penetrate, and interact with their target organisms in different tissue subcompartments. A better understanding of drug distribution will be critical to guide appropriate use of currently available antifungal drugs, as well as to aid development of new agents. Herein we briefly review current perspectives of antifungal drug exposure at the site of infection and describe a new technique, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging, which has the potential to greatly expand our understanding of drug penetration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhao
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Brendan Prideaux
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ 07103
| | - Shane Baistrocchi
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1
| | - David S Perlin
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ 07103
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kontoyiannis DP. Antifungal Resistance: An Emerging Reality and A Global Challenge. J Infect Dis 2019; 216:S431-S435. [PMID: 28911044 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Walsh TJ, McCarthy MW. The expanding use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy in the diagnosis of patients with mycotic diseases. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:241-248. [PMID: 30682890 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1574572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a powerful new tool to identify human fungal pathogens and has radically altered the diagnostic mycology workflow at many medical centers around the world. Areas covered: While most experience is with the identification of yeasts, including species of Candida and Cryptococcus, there is ongoing work investigating the role of MALDI-TOF MS to detect molds, including species of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium, and Mucormyctes as well as thermally dimorphic fungi. Expert commentary: In this paper, we review the current knowledge about this important new platform and examine how its expanding use may impact molecular diagnostics and patient care in the years ahead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Walsh
- a Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Departments of Pediatrics, and Microbiology & Immunology , Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Matthew W McCarthy
- b Division of General Internal Medicine , Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
APX001 Is Effective in the Treatment of Murine Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.01713-18. [PMID: 30455236 PMCID: PMC6355556 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01713-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) due to Aspergillus fumigatus is a serious fungal infection in the immunosuppressed patient population. Despite the introduction of new antifungal agents, mortality rates remain high, and new treatments are needed. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) due to Aspergillus fumigatus is a serious fungal infection in the immunosuppressed patient population. Despite the introduction of new antifungal agents, mortality rates remain high, and new treatments are needed. The novel antifungal APX001A targets the conserved Gwt1 enzyme required for the localization of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mannoproteins in fungi. We evaluated the in vitro activity of APX001A against A. fumigatus and the in vivo activity of its prodrug APX001 in an immunosuppressed mouse model of IPA. APX001A inhibited the growth of A. fumigatus with a minimum effective concentration of 0.03 μg/ml. The use of 50 mg/kg 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT), a suicide inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes, enhanced APX001A exposures (area under the time-concentration curve [AUC]) 16- to 18-fold and enhanced serum half-life from ∼1 to 9 h, more closely mimicking human pharmacokinetics. We evaluated the efficacy of APX001 (with ABT) in treating murine IPA compared to posaconazole treatment. Treatment of mice with 78 mg/kg once daily (QD), 78 mg/kg twice daily, or 104 mg/kg QD APX001 significantly enhanced the median survival time and prolonged day 21 postinfection overall survival compared to the placebo. Furthermore, administration of APX001 resulted in a significant reduction in lung fungal burden (4.2 to 7.6 log10 conidial equivalents/g of tissue) versus the untreated control and resolved the infection, as judged by histopathological examination. The observed survival and tissue clearance were comparable to a clinically relevant posaconazole dose. These results warrant the continued development of APX001 as a broad-spectrum, first-in-class treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Collapse
|
30
|
Schwarz C, Vandeputte P, Rougeron A, Giraud S, Dugé de Bernonville T, Duvaux L, Gastebois A, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Martín-Gomez MT, Mazuelos EM, Sole A, Cano J, Pemán J, Quindos G, Botterel F, Bougnoux ME, Chen S, Delhaès L, Favennec L, Ranque S, Sedlacek L, Steinmann J, Vazquez J, Williams C, Meyer W, Le Gal S, Nevez G, Fleury M, Papon N, Symoens F, Bouchara JP. Developing collaborative works for faster progress on fungal respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis. Med Mycol 2018. [PMID: 29538733 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the major genetic inherited disease in Caucasian populations. The respiratory tract of CF patients displays a sticky viscous mucus, which allows for the entrapment of airborne bacteria and fungal spores and provides a suitable environment for growth of microorganisms, including numerous yeast and filamentous fungal species. As a consequence, respiratory infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in this clinical context. Although bacteria remain the most common agents of these infections, fungal respiratory infections have emerged as an important cause of disease. Therefore, the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) has launched a working group on Fungal respiratory infections in Cystic Fibrosis (Fri-CF) in October 2006, which was subsequently approved by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM). Meetings of this working group, comprising both clinicians and mycologists involved in the follow-up of CF patients, as well as basic scientists interested in the fungal species involved, provided the opportunity to initiate collaborative works aimed to improve our knowledge on these infections to assist clinicians in patient management. The current review highlights the outcomes of some of these collaborative works in clinical surveillance, pathogenesis and treatment, giving special emphasis to standardization of culture procedures, improvement of species identification methods including the development of nonculture-based diagnostic methods, microbiome studies and identification of new biological markers, and the description of genotyping studies aiming to differentiate transient carriage and chronic colonization of the airways. The review also reports on the breakthrough in sequencing the genomes of the main Scedosporium species as basis for a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these fungi, and discusses treatment options of infections caused by multidrug resistant microorganisms, such as Scedosporium and Lomentospora species and members of the Rasamsonia argillacea species complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Schwarz
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis Center Berlin/Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Vandeputte
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Angers, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France
| | - Amandine Rougeron
- Université de Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, Bordeaux, France; Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Angers, France
| | - Thomas Dugé de Bernonville
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales (EA 2106), Département de Biologie et Physiologie Végétales, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Université François Rabelais, Tours
| | - Ludovic Duvaux
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Angers, France.,Institut de Recherche en Horticulture et Semences (IRHS), UMR INRA 1345, Beaucouzé, France
| | - Amandine Gastebois
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Angers, France
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Martín-Gomez
- Respiratory Bacteriology Unit & Clinical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vall D'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Amparo Sole
- Unidad de Trasplante Pulmonar y Fibrosis Quística, Hospital Universitari la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Josep Cano
- Mycology Unit, Medical School/Oenology School, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Javier Pemán
- Unidad de Micología, Servicio de Microbiología, Universitari la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillermo Quindos
- Laboratorio de Micología Médica, Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Françoise Botterel
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | | | - Sharon Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR - Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laurence Delhaès
- Center for Cardiothoracic Research of Bordeaux, Inserm U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Loïc Favennec
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, EA 3800, CHU Charles Nicolle and Université de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Stéphane Ranque
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HM Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Ludwig Sedlacek
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joerg Steinmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jose Vazquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Craig Williams
- University of the West of Scotland, Institute of Healthcare Associated Infection, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, United Kingdom
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Solène Le Gal
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Brest, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Brest, France
| | - Gilles Nevez
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Brest, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Brest, France
| | - Maxime Fleury
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Angers, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Angers, France
| | - Françoise Symoens
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, Angers, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ramirez-Garcia A, Pellon A, Rementeria A, Buldain I, Barreto-Bergter E, Rollin-Pinheiro R, de Meirelles JV, Xisto MIDS, Ranque S, Havlicek V, Vandeputte P, Govic YL, Bouchara JP, Giraud S, Chen S, Rainer J, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Martin-Gomez MT, López-Soria LM, Peman J, Schwarz C, Bernhardt A, Tintelnot K, Capilla J, Martin-Vicente A, Cano-Lira J, Nagl M, Lackner M, Irinyi L, Meyer W, de Hoog S, Hernando FL. Scedosporium and Lomentospora: an updated overview of underrated opportunists. Med Mycol 2018. [PMID: 29538735 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of Scedosporium and Lomentospora are considered as emerging opportunists, affecting immunosuppressed and otherwise debilitated patients, although classically they are known from causing trauma-associated infections in healthy individuals. Clinical manifestations range from local infection to pulmonary colonization and severe invasive disease, in which mortality rates may be over 80%. These unacceptably high rates are due to the clinical status of patients, diagnostic difficulties, and to intrinsic antifungal resistance of these fungi. In consequence, several consortia have been founded to increase research efforts on these orphan fungi. The current review presents recent findings and summarizes the most relevant points, including the Scedosporium/Lomentospora taxonomy, environmental distribution, epidemiology, pathology, virulence factors, immunology, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aize Pellon
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitor Rementeria
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Idoia Buldain
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephane Ranque
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HM / CHU Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Vladimir Havlicek
- Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Vandeputte
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Yohann Le Govic
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Sharon Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Johannes Rainer
- Institute of Microbiology, Leopold-Franzens University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology. Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Javier Peman
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre Berlin/Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Bernhardt
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathrin Tintelnot
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Javier Capilla
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Jose Cano-Lira
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Markus Nagl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laszlo Irinyi
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School - Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School - Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando L Hernando
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Beardsley J, Halliday CL, Chen SCA, Sorrell TC. Responding to the emergence of antifungal drug resistance: perspectives from the bench and the bedside. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:1175-1191. [PMID: 30113223 PMCID: PMC6190174 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of serious fungal infections is increasing rapidly, and yet the rate of new drugs becoming available to treat them is slow. The limited therapeutic armamentarium is a challenge for clinicians, because the available drugs are often toxic, expensive, difficult to administer, ineffective or a combination of all four. Given this setting, the emergence of resistance is especially concerning, and a review of the topic is timely. Here we discuss antifungal drug resistance in Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. with reference to the most commonly used first-line antifungal agents - azoles and echinocandins. We review the resistance mechanisms of the leading pathogens, how resistance can be identified in the diagnostic lab and the clinical implications of resistance once detected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Beardsley
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases & Biosecurity, University of Sydney & Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Catriona L Halliday
- The Center for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR Pathology West, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon C-A Chen
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases & Biosecurity, University of Sydney & Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- The Center for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR Pathology West, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Tania C Sorrell
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases & Biosecurity, University of Sydney & Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. Galactomannan antigenemia as a biomarker for therapeutic response of invasive aspergillosis: implications for clinical trial design and patient care. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018; 18:601-604. [PMID: 29897826 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1488589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical trials for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a potentially lethal mold infection, are complex investigations that require protracted time and extensive resources, delaying the development of new antifungal agents for this important disease. Areas covered: In this paper, the authors examine a novel approach to study invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in humans, with a focus on the potentials and pitfalls of surrogate end points such as galactomannan antigenemia to evaluate therapeutic response to novel compounds. Expert commentary: The authors believe the use of serum galactomannan as a primary end point in clinical trials may allow for development studies that could be accomplished with fewer resources. It is widely appreciated that serum galactomannan values strongly correlate with outcome of invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematologic cancer and may be applicable to other at-risk patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W McCarthy
- a Weill Cornell Medical College, Division of General Internal Medicine , New York-Presbyterian Hospital , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- b Weill Cornell Medical College, Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program , Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
In Vivo Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of APX001 against Candida spp. in a Neutropenic Disseminated Candidiasis Mouse Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.02542-17. [PMID: 29378706 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02542-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
APX001 is the prodrug of APX001A, which is a first-in-class small molecule with a unique mechanism of action that inhibits the fungal enzyme Gwt1 in the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis pathway. The goal of the present study was to determine which pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) index and magnitude best correlated with efficacy in the murine disseminated candidiasis model for Candida albicans (n = 5), C. glabrata (n = 5), and C. auris (n = 4). MIC values ranged from 0.002 to 0.03 mg/liter for C. albicans, from 0.008 to 0.06 mg/liter for C. glabrata, and from 0.004 to 0.03 mg/liter for C. auris Plasma APX001A pharmacokinetic measurements were performed in mice after oral administration of 4, 16, 64, and 256 mg/kg of body weight APX001. Single-dose pharmacokinetic studies exhibited maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values of 0.46 to 15.6 mg/liter, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity (AUC0-inf) values of 0.87 to 70.0 mg · h/liter, and half-lives of 1.40 to 2.75 h. A neutropenic murine disseminated candidiasis model was utilized for all treatment studies, and drug dosing was by the oral route. Dose fractionation was performed against C. albicans K1, with total doses ranging from 4 to 1,024 mg/kg/day of APX001 fractionated into regimens of dosing every 3, 6, 8, and 12 h for a 24-h treatment duration. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to determine which PK/PD index best correlated with efficacy on the basis of the reduction in the number of CFU/kidney at 24 h. The 24-h free-drug AUC/MIC ratio (fAUC0-24/MIC) was the PK/PD index that best correlated with efficacy (coefficient of determination [R2] = 0.88). Treatment studies with the remaining strains utilized regimens of 1 to 256 mg/kg of APX001 administered every 6 h for a 24-h duration with C. albicans and a 96-h study duration with C. glabrata and C. auris The dose required to achieve 50% of the maximum effect (ED50) and stasis fAUC/MIC targets were as follows: for C. albicans, 3.67 ± 3.19 and 20.60 ± 6.50, respectively; for C. glabrata, 0.38 ± 0.21 and 1.31 ± 0.27, respectively; and for C. auris, 7.14 ± 4.54 and 14.67 ± 8.30, respectively. The present studies demonstrated in vitro and in vivo APX001A and APX001 potency, respectively, against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. auris. These results have potential relevance for clinical dose selection and evaluation of susceptibility breakpoints. The identification of a lower AUC/MIC ratio target for C. glabrata suggests that species-specific susceptibility breakpoints should be explored.
Collapse
|
35
|
Amino Acid Metabolism and Transport Mechanisms as Potential Antifungal Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030909. [PMID: 29562716 PMCID: PMC5877770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovering new drugs for treatment of invasive fungal infections is an enduring challenge. There are only three major classes of antifungal agents, and no new class has been introduced into clinical practice in more than a decade. However, recent advances in our understanding of the fungal life cycle, functional genomics, proteomics, and gene mapping have enabled the identification of new drug targets to treat these potentially deadly infections. In this paper, we examine amino acid transport mechanisms and metabolism as potential drug targets to treat invasive fungal infections, including pathogenic yeasts, such as species of Candida and Cryptococcus, as well as molds, such as Aspergillus fumigatus. We also explore the mechanisms by which amino acids may be exploited to identify novel drug targets and review potential hurdles to bringing this approach into clinical practice.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
The GPI (Glycosylphosphatidylinositol) biosynthetic pathway is a multistep conserved pathway in eukaryotes that culminates in the generation of GPI glycolipid which in turn anchors many proteins (GPI-APs) to the cell surface. In spite of the overall conservation of the pathway, there still exist subtle differences in the GPI pathway of mammals and other eukaryotes which holds a great promise so far as the development of drugs/inhibitors against specific targets in the GPI pathway of pathogens is concerned. Many of the GPI structures and their anchored proteins in pathogenic protozoans and fungi act as pathogenicity factors. Notable examples include GPI-anchored variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) in Trypanosoma brucei, GPI-anchored merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) and MSP2 in Plasmodium falciparum, protein-free GPI related molecules like lipophosphoglycans (LPGs) and glycoinositolphospholipids (GIPLs) in Leishmania spp., GPI-anchored Gal/GalNAc lectin and proteophosphoglycans in Entamoeba histolytica or the GPI-anchored mannoproteins in pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. Research in this active area has already yielded encouraging results in Trypanosoma brucei by the development of parasite-specific inhibitors of GlcNCONH2-β-PI, GlcNCONH2-(2-O-octyl)-PI and salicylic hydroxamic acid (SHAM) targeting trypanosomal GlcNAc-PI de-N-acetylase as well as the development of antifungal inhibitors like BIQ/E1210/gepinacin/G365/G884 and YW3548/M743/M720 targeting the GPI specific fungal inositol acyltransferase (Gwt1) and the phosphoethanolamine transferase-I (Mcd4), respectively. These confirm the fact that the GPI pathway continues to be the focus of researchers, given its implications for the betterment of human life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Usha Yadav
- a Department of Microbiology , University of Delhi , New Delhi , India
| | - Mohd Ashraf Khan
- b Department of Biotechnology , Government Degree College , Anantnag , India
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Schwartz S, Kontoyiannis DP, Harrison T, Ruhnke M. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections of the CNS. Lancet Neurol 2018; 17:362-372. [PMID: 29477506 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30030-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections of the CNS are challenging to treat and their optimal management requires knowledge of their epidemiology, host characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options. Aspergillus and Cryptococcus species predominate among fungal infections of the CNS. Most of these fungi are ubiquitous, but some have restricted geographical distribution. Fungal infections of the CNS usually originate from primary sites outside the CNS (eg, fungal pneumonia) or occur after inoculation (eg, invasive procedures). Most patients with these infections have immunodeficiencies, but immunocompetent individuals can also be infected through heavy exposure. The infecting fungi can be grouped into moulds, yeasts, and dimorphic fungi. Substantial progress has been made with new diagnostic approaches and the introduction of novel antifungal drugs, but fungal infections of the CNS are frequently lethal because of diagnostic delays, impaired drug penetration, resistance to antifungal treatments, and inadequate restoration of immune function. To improve outcomes, future research should advance diagnostic methods (eg, molecular detection and fungus identification), develop antifungal compounds with enhanced CNS-directed efficacy, and further investigate crucial host defence mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schwartz
- Medical Department, Division of Haematology, Oncology and Tumour Immunology, Charité, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Harrison
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Markus Ruhnke
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Paracelsus-Hospital, Osnabrück, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gamaletsou MN, Walsh TJ, Sipsas NV. Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Emergence of Resistant Pathogens and New Antifungal Therapies. Turk J Haematol 2018; 35:1-11. [PMID: 29391334 PMCID: PMC5843768 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.2018.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections caused by drug-resistant organisms are an emerging threat to heavily immunosuppressed patients with hematological malignancies. Modern early antifungal treatment strategies, such as prophylaxis and empirical and preemptive therapy, result in long-term exposure to antifungal agents, which is a major driving force for the development of resistance. The extended use of central venous catheters, the nonlinear pharmacokinetics of certain antifungal agents, neutropenia, other forms of intense immunosuppression, and drug toxicities are other contributing factors. The widespread use of agricultural and industrial fungicides with similar chemical structures and mechanisms of action has resulted in the development of environmental reservoirs for some drug-resistant fungi, especially azole-resistant Aspergillus species, which have been reported from four continents. The majority of resistant strains have the mutation TR34/L98H, a finding suggesting that the source of resistance is the environment. The global emergence of new fungal pathogens with inherent resistance, such as Candida auris, is a new public health threat. The most common mechanism of antifungal drug resistance is the induction of efflux pumps, which decrease intracellular drug concentrations. Overexpression, depletion, and alteration of the drug target are other mechanisms of resistance. Mutations in the ERG11 gene alter the protein structure of C-demethylase, reducing the efficacy of antifungal triazoles. Candida species become echinocandin-resistant by mutations in FKS genes. A shift in the epidemiology of Candida towards resistant non-albicans Candida spp. has emerged among patients with hematological malignancies. There is no definite association between antifungal resistance, as defined by elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations, and clinical outcomes in this population. Detection of genes or mutations conferring resistance with the use of molecular methods may offer better predictive values in certain cases. Treatment options for resistant fungal infections are limited and new drugs with novel mechanisms of actions are needed. Prevention of resistance through antifungal stewardship programs is of paramount importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Gamaletsou
- The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Department of Infection and Travel Medicine, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, Department of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Microbiology and Immunology, New York, United States of America
| | - Nikolaos V Sipsas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Immune responses to invasive aspergillosis: new understanding and therapeutic opportunities. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2018; 30:364-371. [PMID: 28509673 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Invasive aspergillosis is a worldwide disease that primarily affects immune-compromised patients, agricultural workers with corneal abrasions, individuals with structural lung disease, and patients with primary immune deficiency. The critical function of the immune system is to prevent the germination of airborne conidia into tissue-invasive hyphae. This review covers recent advances that shape our understanding of anti-Aspergillus immunity at the molecular and cellular level. RECENT FINDINGS Host defense against conidia and hyphae occurs via distinct molecular mechanisms that involve intracellular and extracellular killing pathways, as well as cooperation between different myeloid cell subsets. The strength and efficacy of the host response is shaped by the tissue microenvironment. In preclinical models of disease, host immune augmentation strategies have yielded benefits, yet translating these insights into therapeutic strategies in humans remains challenging. SUMMARY Although advances in early diagnostic strategies and in antifungal drugs have ameliorated clinical outcomes of invasive aspergillosis, further improvements depend on gaining deeper insight into and translating advances in anti-Aspergillus immunity.
Collapse
|
40
|
McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. Containment strategies to address the expanding threat of multidrug-resistant Candida auris. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:1095-1099. [PMID: 29110544 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1402678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida auris is an emerging multidrug resistant human yeast pathogen associated with nosocomial transmission and high mortality. The organism can be a challenge to diagnose, may be even more difficult to treat, and continues to pose an expanding threat to patients. Areas covered: Our medical center and others in the surrounding area have seen a concerning rise in confirmed cases of C. auris infection and substantial resources have been dedicated to containment measures. We draw on our in vitro and in vivo work with this organism to examine the most effective ways to curb the current outbreak. Expert commentary: We explore novel strategies to halt the spread C. auris, including enhanced molecular diagnostics, novel therapeutics, and epidemiologic studies to determine risk factors for infection and transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew William McCarthy
- a Weill Cornell Medical College, Assistant Attending Physician, Division of General Internal Medicine , New York-Presbyterian Hospital , New York , NY , USA.,b Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Chief, Medical Mycology Research Laboratory, Pediatrics, and Microbiology & Immunology , Weill Cornell Medical Center, Henry Schueler Foundation Scholar, Sharpe Family Foundation Scholar in Pediatric Infectious Diseases , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- a Weill Cornell Medical College, Assistant Attending Physician, Division of General Internal Medicine , New York-Presbyterian Hospital , New York , NY , USA.,b Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Chief, Medical Mycology Research Laboratory, Pediatrics, and Microbiology & Immunology , Weill Cornell Medical Center, Henry Schueler Foundation Scholar, Sharpe Family Foundation Scholar in Pediatric Infectious Diseases , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. The fungal meningitis outbreak five years later: what have we learned about Exserohilum rostratum? EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2017.1392827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. McCarthy
- Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Assistant Attending Physician, Division of General Internal Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Chief, Medical Mycology Research Laboratory, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, Henry Schueler Foundation Scholar, Sharpe Family Foundation Scholar in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Seddigh P, Bracht T, Molinier-Frenkel V, Castellano F, Kniemeyer O, Schuster M, Weski J, Hasenberg A, Kraus A, Poschet G, Hager T, Theegarten D, Opitz CA, Brakhage AA, Sitek B, Hasenberg M, Gunzer M. Quantitative Analysis of Proteome Modulations in Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells in Response to Pulmonary Aspergillus fumigatus Infection. Mol Cell Proteomics 2017; 16:2184-2198. [PMID: 28951444 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra117.000072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous mold Aspergillus fumigatus threatens immunosuppressed patients as inducer of lethal invasive aspergillosis. A. fumigatus conidia are airborne and reach the alveoli, where they encounter alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). Previous studies reported the importance of the surfactant-producing AEC II during A. fumigatus infection via in vitro experiments using cell lines. We established a negative isolation protocol yielding untouched primary murine AEC II with a purity >90%, allowing ex vivo analyses of the cells, which encountered the mold in vivo By label-free proteome analysis of AEC II isolated from mice 24h after A. fumigatus or mock infection we quantified 2256 proteins and found 154 proteins to be significantly differentially abundant between both groups (ANOVA p value ≤ 0.01, ratio of means ≥1.5 or ≤0.67, quantified with ≥2 peptides). Most of these proteins were higher abundant in the infected condition and reflected a comprehensive activation of AEC II on interaction with A. fumigatus This was especially represented by proteins related to oxidative phosphorylation, hence energy production. However, the most strongly induced protein was the l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) Interleukin 4 induced 1 (IL4I1) with a 42.9 fold higher abundance (ANOVA p value 2.91-10). IL4I1 has previously been found in B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and rare neurons. Increased IL4I1 abundance in AEC II was confirmed by qPCR, Western blot and immunohistology. Furthermore, A. fumigatus infected lungs showed high levels of IL4I1 metabolic products. Importantly, higher IL4I1 abundance was also confirmed in lung tissue from human aspergilloma. Because LAAO are key enzymes for bactericidal product generation, AEC II might actively participate in pathogen defense. We provide insights into proteome changes of primary AEC II thereby opening new avenues to analyze the molecular changes of this central lung cell on infectious threats. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD005834.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Seddigh
- From the ‡University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, 45147 Essen; Germany
| | - Thilo Bracht
- ¶Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Medizinisches Proteom-Center, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Flavia Castellano
- **INSERM U955, Equipe 09, UMR_S955, UPEC, APHP, Hôpital H Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- ‖Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institutes (HKI), Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Schuster
- From the ‡University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, 45147 Essen; Germany
| | - Juliane Weski
- From the ‡University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, 45147 Essen; Germany
| | - Anja Hasenberg
- From the ‡University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, 45147 Essen; Germany
| | - Andreas Kraus
- From the ‡University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, 45147 Essen; Germany
| | - Gernot Poschet
- §§Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hager
- ¶¶University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Institute for Pathology, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Theegarten
- ¶¶University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Institute for Pathology, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Christiane A Opitz
- ‡‡German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Junior Group Brain Cancer Metabolism (G161), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- ‖Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institutes (HKI), Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Barbara Sitek
- ¶Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Medizinisches Proteom-Center, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Mike Hasenberg
- §University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Imaging Center Essen (IMCES), Electron Microscopy Unit, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Matthias Gunzer
- From the ‡University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, 45147 Essen; Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
McCarthy MW, Denning DW, Walsh TJ. Future Research Priorities in Fungal Resistance. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S484-S492. [PMID: 28911040 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved understanding of basic mycological, pharmacological, and immunological processes has led to important advances in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections. However, the rise of fungi that are resistant to existing antifungal agents poses a substantial threat to human health. Addressing this expanding problem is an urgent priority for the international research community. In this article, we highlight important diagnostic and therapeutic advances that address the rise of resistant fungi as well as new public health initiatives that warrant further investigation to help curb the spread of these potentially lethal organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David W Denning
- University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
McCarthy MW, Kontoyiannis DP, Cornely OA, Perfect JR, Walsh TJ. Novel Agents and Drug Targets to Meet the Challenges of Resistant Fungi. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S474-S483. [PMID: 28911042 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant fungi poses a major threat to human health. Despite advances in preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions, resistant fungal infections continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients with compromised immunity, underscoring the urgent need for new antifungal agents. In this article, we review the challenges associated with identifying broad-spectrum antifungal drugs and highlight novel targets that could enhance the armamentarium of agents available to treat drug-resistant invasive fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W McCarthy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Oliver A Cornely
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Department I of Internal Medicine, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. Harnessing the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 to advance the study of human fungal pathogens. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2017.1375851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew William McCarthy
- Hospital Medicine, Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
McCarthy MW, Kalasauskas D, Petraitis V, Petraitiene R, Walsh TJ. Fungal Infections of the Central Nervous System in Children. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2017; 6:e123-e133. [PMID: 28903523 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/pix059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Although uncommon in children, fungal infections of the central nervous system can be devastating and difficult to treat. A better understanding of basic mycologic, immunologic, and pharmacologic processes has led to important advances in the diagnosis and management of these diseases, but their mortality rates remain unacceptably high. In this focused review, we examine the epidemiology and clinical features of the most common fungal pathogens of the central nervous system in children and explore recent advances in diagnosis and antifungal therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W McCarthy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Darius Kalasauskas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Vidmantas Petraitis
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Pathogenic Microbiology, Prienai, Lithuania
| | - Ruta Petraitiene
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Pathogenic Microbiology, Prienai, Lithuania
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Departments of Pediatrics, and Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. Drugs currently under investigation for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:825-831. [PMID: 28617137 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1341488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The widespread implementation of immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and solid organ transplantation in clinical practice has led to an expanding population of patients who are at risk for invasive candidiasis, which is the most common form of fungal disease among hospitalized patients in the developed world. The emergence of drug-resistant Candida spp. has added to the morbidity associated with invasive candidiasis and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Areas covered: In this paper, we explore investigational agents for the treatment of invasive candidiasis, with particular attention paid to compounds that have recently entered phase I or phase II clinical trials. Expert opinion: The antifungal drug development pipeline has been severely limited due to regulatory hurdles and a systemic lack of investment in novel compounds. However, several promising drug development strategies have recently emerged, including chemical screens involving Pathogen Box compounds, combination antifungal therapy, and repurposing of existing agents that were initially developed to treat other conditions, all of which have the potential to redefine the treatment of invasive candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W McCarthy
- a Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center , Division of General Internal Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- b Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Medical Mycology Research Laboratory, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Microbiology & Immunology Weill Cornell Medical Center , Henry Schueler Foundation Scholar, Sharpe Family Foundation Scholar in Pediatric Infectious Diseases , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. Special considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2017; 11:739-748. [PMID: 28595486 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2017.1340835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diagnosis and treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) are ongoing challenges in clinical practice. While important advances have recently been made, including enhanced diagnostic modalities as well as novel therapeutic and prophylactic options, more effective options are urgently needed as the population of immunocompromised patients continues to expand. Areas covered: In this paper, we review novel approaches to diagnosis of IPA, including multiplex PCR, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry and provide a detailed review of the extended-spectrum triazole isavuconazole, which was approved in 2015 to treat IPA. Expert commentary: We explore burgeoning approaches to diagnosis, including the lateral flow assay, volatile organic compounds, and artificial olfactory technology, as well as novel antifungal agents to treat IPA such as SCY-078 and F901318.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew William McCarthy
- a Hospital Medicine , Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- b Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program , Weill Cornell Medical Center , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Antifungal Resistance, Metabolic Routes as Drug Targets, and New Antifungal Agents: An Overview about Endemic Dimorphic Fungi. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:9870679. [PMID: 28694566 PMCID: PMC5485324 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9870679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by fungi can occur in healthy people, but immunocompromised patients are the major risk group for invasive fungal infections. Cases of fungal resistance and the difficulty of treatment make fungal infections a public health problem. This review explores mechanisms used by fungi to promote fungal resistance, such as the mutation or overexpression of drug targets, efflux and degradation systems, and pleiotropic drug responses. Alternative novel drug targets have been investigated; these include metabolic routes used by fungi during infection, such as trehalose and amino acid metabolism and mitochondrial proteins. An overview of new antifungal agents, including nanostructured antifungals, as well as of repositioning approaches is discussed. Studies focusing on the development of vaccines against antifungal diseases have increased in recent years, as these strategies can be applied in combination with antifungal therapy to prevent posttreatment sequelae. Studies focused on the development of a pan-fungal vaccine and antifungal drugs can improve the treatment of immunocompromised patients and reduce treatment costs.
Collapse
|
50
|
McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. Drug development challenges and strategies to address emerging and resistant fungal pathogens. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:577-584. [PMID: 28480775 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1328279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive fungal infections represent an expanding threat to public health. The recent emergence of Candida auris, which is often resistant to existing antifungal agents and is associated with a high mortality rate, underscores the urgent need for novel drug development strategies. Areas covered: In this paper, we examine both challenges and opportunities associated with antifungal drug development and explore potential avenues to accelerate the development pipeline, including data sharing, surrogate endpoints, and the role of historical controls in clinical trials. Expert commentary: We review important lessons learned from the study of other rare diseases, including mitochondrial storage diseases and certain forms of cancer that may inform strategies to develop new antifungal agents while highlighting promising new compounds such as SCY-078 for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W McCarthy
- a Department of Medicine, Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- b Weill Cornell Medical Center , Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|