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Schaefer S, Corrigan N, Brunke S, Lenardon MD, Boyer C. Combatting Fungal Infections: Advances in Antifungal Polymeric Nanomaterials. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5670-5701. [PMID: 39177507 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens cause over 6.5 million life-threatening systemic infections annually, with mortality rates ranging from 20 to 95%, even with medical intervention. The World Health Organization has recently emphasized the urgent need for new antifungal drugs. However, the range of effective antifungal agents remains limited and resistance is increasing. This Review explores the current landscape of fungal infections and antifungal drugs, focusing on synthetic polymeric nanomaterials like nanoparticles that enhance the physicochemical properties of existing drugs. Additionally, we examine intrinsically antifungal polymers that mimic naturally occurring peptides. Advances in polymer characterization and synthesis now allow precise design and screening for antifungal activity, biocompatibility, and drug interactions. These antifungal polymers represent a promising new class of drugs for combating fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schaefer
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Nathaniel Corrigan
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Megan D Lenardon
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Cyrille Boyer
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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Dubljanin E, Zunic J, Vujcic I, Colovic Calovski I, Sipetic Grujicic S, Mijatovic S, Dzamic A. Host-Pathogen Interaction and Resistance Mechanisms in Dermatophytes. Pathogens 2024; 13:657. [PMID: 39204257 PMCID: PMC11357293 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13080657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are widely distributed in the environment, with an estimated prevalence of 20-25% of the the global population yearly. These fungi are keratinophilic and keratinolytic and cause the infection of keratin-rich structures such as skin, hair, and nails. The pattern of this infectious disease covers a wide spectrum from exposed individuals without symptoms to those with acutely inflammatory or non-inflammatory, chronic to invasive, and even life-threatening symptoms. This review summarizes current information on the pathogenicity, virulence factors, and drug resistance mechanisms associated with dermatophytes. A greater number of virulence factors of these fungi are important for the occurrence of infection and the changes that occur, including those regarding adhesins, the sulfite efflux pump, and proteolytic enzymes. Other virulence factors include mechanisms of evading the host defense, while the development of resistance to antifungal drugs is increasing, resulting in treatment failure. The investigation of host-pathogen interactions is essential for developing a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying dermatophyte pathogenesis and host response to inform the use of diagnostics methods and antifungal therapeutics to minimize the high fungal burden caused by dermatophytes and to control the spread of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Dubljanin
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Zunic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Isidora Vujcic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Colovic Calovski
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sandra Sipetic Grujicic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stefan Mijatovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Dzamic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Kalpana S, Lin WY, Wang YC, Fu Y, Wang HY. Alternate Antimicrobial Therapies and Their Companion Tests. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2490. [PMID: 37568853 PMCID: PMC10417861 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
New antimicrobial approaches are essential to counter antimicrobial resistance. The drug development pipeline is exhausted with the emergence of resistance, resulting in unsuccessful trials. The lack of an effective drug developed from the conventional drug portfolio has mandated the introspection into the list of potentially effective unconventional alternate antimicrobial molecules. Alternate therapies with clinically explicable forms include monoclonal antibodies, antimicrobial peptides, aptamers, and phages. Clinical diagnostics optimize the drug delivery. In the era of diagnostic-based applications, it is logical to draw diagnostic-based treatment for infectious diseases. Selection criteria of alternate therapeutics in infectious diseases include detection, monitoring of response, and resistance mechanism identification. Integrating these diagnostic applications is disruptive to the traditional therapeutic development. The challenges and mitigation methods need to be noted. Applying the goals of clinical pharmacokinetics that include enhancing efficacy and decreasing toxicity of drug therapy, this review analyses the strong correlation of alternate antimicrobial therapeutics in infectious diseases. The relationship between drug concentration and the resulting effect defined by the pharmacodynamic parameters are also analyzed. This review analyzes the perspectives of aligning diagnostic initiatives with the use of alternate therapeutics, with a particular focus on companion diagnostic applications in infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Kalpana
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan;
| | - Wan-Ying Lin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yu-Chiang Wang
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yiwen Fu
- Department of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA;
| | - Hsin-Yao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan;
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Kong D, Hua X, Zhou R, Cui J, Wang T, Kong F, You H, Liu X, Adu-Amankwaah J, Guo G, Zheng K, Wu J, Tang R. Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of MAF-1-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide Mt6 and Its D-Enantiomer D-Mt6 against Acinetobacter baumannii by Targeting Cell Membranes and Lipopolysaccharide Interaction. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0131222. [PMID: 36190276 PMCID: PMC9603722 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01312-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is on the rise around the world, highlighting the urgent need for novel antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) contribute to effective protection against infections by pathogens, making them the most promising options for next-generation antibiotics. Here, we report two designed, cationic, antimicrobial-derived peptides: Mt6, and its dextroisomer D-Mt6, belonging to the analogs of MAF-1, which is isolated from the instar larvae of houseflies. Both Mt6 and D-Mt6 have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that is accompanied by strong antibacterial activities, especially against A. baumannii planktonic bacteria and biofilms. Additionally, the effect of D-Mt6 against A. baumannii is stable in a variety of physiological settings, including enzyme, salt ion, and hydrogen ion environments. Importantly, D-Mt6 cleans the bacteria on Caenorhabditis elegans without causing apparent toxicity and exhibits good activity in vivo. Both Mt6 and D-Mt6 demonstrated synergistic or additive capabilities with traditional antibiotics against A. baumannii, demonstrating their characteristics as potential complements to combination therapy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) experiments revealed that two analogs displayed rapid bactericidal activity by destroying cell membrane integrity. Furthermore, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cells, these AMPs drastically decreased IL-1β and TNF-a gene expression and protein secretion, implying anti-inflammatory characteristics. This trait is likely due to its dual function of directly binding LPS and inhibiting the LPS-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in macrophages. Our findings suggested that D-Mt6 could be further developed as a novel antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory agent and used in the treatment of A. baumannii infections. IMPORTANCE Around 700,000 people worldwide die each year from antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Acinetobacter baumannii in clinical specimens increases year by year, and it is developing a strong resistance to clinical drugs, which is resulting in A. baumannii becoming the main opportunistic pathogen. Antimicrobial peptides show great potential as new antibacterial drugs that can replace traditional antibiotics. In our study, Mt6 and D-Mt6, two new antimicrobial peptides, were designed based on a natural peptide that we first discovered in the hemlymphocytes of housefly larvae. Both Mt6 and D-Mt6 showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, especially against A. baumannii, by damaging membrane integrity. Moreover, D-Mt6 showed better immunoregulatory activity against LPS induced inflammation through its LPS-neutralizing and suppression on MAPK signaling. This study suggested that D-Mt6 is a promising candidate drug as a derived peptide against A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xuan Hua
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jie Cui
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology of Education Department of Guizhou, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiangye Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | | | - Guo Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Novel and Investigational Treatments for Onychomycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101079. [PMID: 36294644 PMCID: PMC9604567 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a common nail disease caused by fungi. The primary pathogens are dermatophytes; however, yeasts, non-dermatophyte moulds, and mixed fungal populations may also contribute to the development of a recalcitrant condition, usually accompanied by difficulties in everyday life and severe emotional stress. Treatment failure and relapse of the infection are the most frequent problems, though new issues have become the new challenges in the therapeutic approach to onychomycosis. Resistance to antifungals, an increasing number of comorbidities, and polydrug use among the ageing population are imperatives that impose a shift to safer drugs. Topical antifungals are considered less toxic and minimally interact with other drugs. The development of new topical drugs for onychomycosis is driven by the unmet need for effective agents with prolonged post-treatment disease-free time and a lack of systemic impact on the patients’ health. Efinaconazole, Tavaborole, and Luliconazole have been added to physicians’ weaponry during the last decade, though launched on the market of a limited number of countries. The pipeline is either developing new products (e.g., ME-1111 and NP213) with an appealing combination of pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety properties or reformulating old, well-known drugs (Terbinafine and Amphotericin B) by using new excipients as penetration enhancers.
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Assessment of the properties of terbinafine hydrochloride and the search route for antifungal agents. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.132225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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A Review of Antimicrobial Peptides: Its Function, Mode of Action and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Silva ARP, Guimarães M, Rabelo J, Belen L, Perecin C, Farias J, Picado Madalena Santos JH, Rangel-Yagui CO. Recent advances in the design of antimicrobial peptide conjugates. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3587-3600. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02757c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ubiquitous host defense peptides characterized by antibiotic activity and lower propensity for developing resistance compared to classic antibiotics. While several AMPs have shown activity against antibiotic-sensitive...
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Preliminary Characterization of NP339, a Novel Polyarginine Peptide with Broad Antifungal Activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0234520. [PMID: 34031048 PMCID: PMC8284473 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02345-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi cause disease in nearly one billion individuals worldwide. Only three classes of antifungal agents are currently available in mainstream clinical use. Emerging and drug-resistant fungi, toxicity, and drug-drug interactions compromise their efficacy and applicability. Consequently, new and improved antifungal therapies are urgently needed. In response to that need, we have developed NP339, a 2-kDa polyarginine peptide that is active against pathogenic fungi from the genera Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus, as well as others. NP339 was designed based on endogenous cationic human defense peptides, which are constituents of the cornerstone of immune defense against pathogenic microbes. NP339 specifically targets the fungal cell membrane through a charge-charge-initiated membrane interaction and therefore possesses a differentiated safety and toxicity profile to existing antifungal classes. NP339 is rapidly fungicidal and does not elicit resistance in target fungi upon extensive passaging in vitro. Preliminary analyses in murine models indicate scope for therapeutic application of NP339 against a range of systemic and mucocutaneous fungal infections. Collectively, these data indicate that NP339 can be developed into a highly differentiated, first-in-class antifungal candidate for poorly served invasive and other serious fungal diseases.
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10
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Leung AKC, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL, Barankin B, Leung AAM, Wong AHC. Onychomycosis: An Updated Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 14:32-45. [PMID: 31738146 PMCID: PMC7509699 DOI: 10.2174/1872213x13666191026090713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the nail. Objective: The study aimed to provide an update on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of onychomycosis. Methods: A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key term “onychomycosis”. The search was conducted in May 2019. The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 20 years. The search was restricted to English literature. Patents were searched using the key term “onychomycosis” in www.freepatentsonline.com. Results: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail unit. Approximately 90% of toenail and 75% of fingernail onychomycosis are caused by dermatophytes, notably Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. Clinical manifestations include discoloration of the nail, subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, and onychauxis. The diagnosis can be confirmed by direct microscopic examination with a potassium hydroxide wet-mount preparation, histopathologic examination of the trimmed affected nail plate with a periodic-acid-Schiff stain, fungal culture, or polymerase chain reaction assays. Laboratory confirmation of onychomycosis before beginning a treatment regimen should be considered. Currently, oral terbinafine is the treatment of choice, followed by oral itraconazole. In general, topical monotherapy can be considered for mild to moderate onychomycosis and is a therapeutic option when oral antifungal agents are contraindicated or cannot be tolerated. Recent patents related to the management of onychomycosis are also discussed. Conclusion: Oral antifungal therapies are effective, but significant adverse effects limit their use.Although topical antifungal therapies have minimal adverse events, they are less effective than oral antifungal therapies, due to poor nail penetration. Therefore, there is a need for exploring more effective and/or alternative treatment modalities for the treatment of onychomycosis which are safer and more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K C Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joseph M Lam
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Dermatology and Skin Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kin F Leong
- Pediatric Institute, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kam L Hon
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | | | - Amy A M Leung
- Department of Family Medicine, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alex H C Wong
- Department of Family Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Formulation of Tioconazole and Melaleuca alternifolia Essential Oil Pickering Emulsions for Onychomycosis Topical Treatment. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235544. [PMID: 33256033 PMCID: PMC7730074 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a disease that affects many adults, whose treatment includes both oral and topical therapies with low cure rates. The topical therapy is less effective but causes fewer side effects. This is why the development of an effective, easy to apply formulation for topical treatment is of high importance. We have used a nanotechnological approach to formulate Pickering emulsions (PEs) with well-defined properties to achieve site-specific delivery for antifungal drug combination of tioconazole and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil. Silica nanoparticles with tailored size and partially hydrophobic surface have been synthesized and used for the stabilization of PEs. In vitro diffusion studies have been performed to evaluate the drug delivery properties of PEs. Ethanolic solution (ES) and conventional emulsions (CE) have been used as reference drug formulations. The examination of the antifungal effect of PEs has been performed on Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum as main pathogens. In vitro microbiological experimental results suggest that PEs are better candidates for onychomycosis topical treatment than CE or ES of the examined drugs. The used drugs have shown a significant synergistic effect, and the combination with an effective drug delivery system can result in a promising drug form for the topical treatment of onychomycosis.
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Mercer DK, Robertson JC, Miller L, Stewart CS, O'Neil DA. NP213 (Novexatin®): A unique therapy candidate for onychomycosis with a differentiated safety and efficacy profile. Med Mycol 2020; 58:1064-1072. [PMID: 32232410 PMCID: PMC7657096 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NP213 (Novexatin®) is a novel antifungal peptide specifically designed for the topical treatment of onychomycosis. NP213 was designed using host defense peptides (HDP), essential components of the innate immune response to infection, as a template. NP213 is a water-soluble cyclic fungicidal peptide that effectively penetrates human nail. NP213 demonstrated a promising preclinical and clinical safety profile, with no evidence of systemic exposure following topical application to the skin and nails. NP213 was efficacious in two phase IIa human trials with 43.3% of patients having no fungi detectable by culture of fragments from NP213-treated nails after 180 days in the first study and likewise 56.5% of patients were culture negative for dermatophytes after 360 days in the second phase IIa study. In both trials, NP213 was applied daily for only 28 days in marked contrast to other topical onychomycosis treatments that require application for up to 52 weeks. Patient reported outcomes from the phase IIa studies were positive with participants recording an improved appearance of their nails after only 14 days of application. All fungi identified in these studies were Trichophyton spp. NP213 (Novexatin®) is a promising, highly differentiated peptide-based candidate for the topical treatment of onychomycosis, addressing the infectious cause and cosmetic issues of this very common condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derry K Mercer
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lorna Miller
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Mercer DK, O'Neil DA. Innate Inspiration: Antifungal Peptides and Other Immunotherapeutics From the Host Immune Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2177. [PMID: 33072081 PMCID: PMC7533533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe antifungal therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical development derived from, or directly influenced by, the immune system, with a specific focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Although the focus of this review is AMP with direct antimicrobial effects on fungi, we will also discuss compounds with direct antifungal activity, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb), as well as immunomodulatory molecules that can enhance the immune response to fungal infection, including immunomodulatory AMP, vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, interferon and colony stimulating factors as well as immune cell therapies. The focus of this manuscript will be a non-exhaustive review of antifungal compounds in preclinical and clinical development that are based on the principles of immunology and the authors acknowledge the incredible amount of in vitro and in vivo work that has been conducted to develop such therapeutic candidates.
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14
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Mercer DK, Torres MDT, Duay SS, Lovie E, Simpson L, von Köckritz-Blickwede M, de la Fuente-Nunez C, O'Neil DA, Angeles-Boza AM. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Antimicrobial Peptides to Better Predict Efficacy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:326. [PMID: 32733816 PMCID: PMC7358464 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During the development of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) as potential therapeutics, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) stands as an essential part of the process in identification and optimisation of candidate AMP. Standard methods for AST, developed almost 60 years ago for testing conventional antibiotics, are not necessarily fit for purpose when it comes to determining the susceptibility of microorganisms to AMP. Without careful consideration of the parameters comprising AST there is a risk of failing to identify novel antimicrobials at a time when antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is leading the planet toward a post-antibiotic era. More physiologically/clinically relevant AST will allow better determination of the preclinical activity of drug candidates and allow the identification of lead compounds. An important consideration is the efficacy of AMP in biological matrices replicating sites of infection, e.g., blood/plasma/serum, lung bronchiolar lavage fluid/sputum, urine, biofilms, etc., as this will likely be more predictive of clinical efficacy. Additionally, specific AST for different target microorganisms may help to better predict efficacy of AMP in specific infections. In this manuscript, we describe what we believe are the key considerations for AST of AMP and hope that this information can better guide the preclinical development of AMP toward becoming a new generation of urgently needed antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo D. T. Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Institute for Computational Science, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Searle S. Duay
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Emma Lovie
- NovaBiotics Ltd, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Institute for Computational Science, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Alfredo M. Angeles-Boza
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Mookherjee N, Anderson MA, Haagsman HP, Davidson DJ. Antimicrobial host defence peptides: functions and clinical potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:311-332. [DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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16
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Gnat S, Łagowski D, Nowakiewicz A. Major challenges and perspectives in the diagnostics and treatment of dermatophyte infections. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 129:212-232. [PMID: 32048417 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dermatophytes are the aetiological factors of a majority of superficial fungal infections. What distinguishes them from other pathogenic filamentous fungi is their unique ability to degrade keratin. The remarkable ability of this group of fungi to survive in different ecosystems results from their morphological and ecological diversity as well as high adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Paradoxically, despite the progress in medicine, the prevalence of dermatophyte infections is increasing from year to year. At the beginning of the third millennium, practical diagnostic and therapeutic options are still very limited. This review focuses on understanding the major problems in this aspect of dermatophyte infections and indicates future strategies and perspectives for novel approaches to identification and drugs for elimination of dermatophytes. Particular importance is placed on development of a strategy for a diagnostic pathway and implementation of rapid and reliable diagnostics methods designed by international teams. Furthermore, among compounds that currently arouse great interest, representatives of terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and essential oils deserve attention. Many of these compounds are undergoing clinical trials as potential antifungal agents, and future research should focus on attempts at determination of the applicability of tested substances. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages in implementation of new diagnostic paths and medicinal substances for routine use are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gnat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - D Łagowski
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - A Nowakiewicz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Sub-Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
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Quatrin PM, Kaminski TFA, Berlitz SJ, Guerreiro ICK, Canto RFS, Fuentefria AM. Ex vivo nail infection as an effective preclinical method for screening of new topical antifungals. J Mycol Med 2020; 30:100938. [PMID: 32111505 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2020.100938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Onychomycosis are fungal nail infections comprising of about 50% of onychopathies and are commonly caused by dermatophytes. The treatment of this dermatomycosis requires a long period of time and is associated with high rates of recurrence. In view of the need to evaluate the antifungal performance of promising preclinical compounds, we developed, in this study, a practical and accessibleex vivo model for establishing a Trichophyton rubrum onychomycosis framework using porcine hooves. This model has as its main advantage the similar structural and three-dimensional characteristics that the porcine hooves have with the human nail. The proposed model allowed to evaluate the antifungal activity of a new antifungal compound and a reference drug (terbinafine), both already incorporated into a nail lacquer for topical use. Treatments with compound 3-selenocyanate-indole (Se4a) and with terbinafine incorporated into this nail lacquer completely inhibited fungal growth, corresponding to the profile of in vitro activity observed against T. rubrum. This study concludes that the ex vivo porcine hoof model is an effective alternative method for preclinical screening of drugs or new topical compounds developed to combat onychomycosis. Further studies are needed to compare the permeability of porcine hooves with human nails permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Quatrin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - T F A Kaminski
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - S J Berlitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - I C K Guerreiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - R F S Canto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - A M Fuentefria
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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