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de Paiva Macedo J, Dias VC. Antifungal resistance: why are we losing this battle? Future Microbiol 2024; 19:1027-1040. [PMID: 38904325 PMCID: PMC11318685 DOI: 10.1080/17460913.2024.2342150] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of fungal pathogens and changes in the epidemiological landscape are prevalent issues in clinical mycology. Reports of resistance to antifungals have been reported. This review aims to evaluate molecular and nonmolecular mechanisms related to antifungal resistance. Mutations in the ERG genes and overexpression of the efflux pump (MDR1, CDR1 and CDR2 genes) were the most reported molecular mechanisms of resistance in clinical isolates, mainly related to Azoles. For echinocandins, a molecular mechanism described was mutation in the FSK genes. Furthermore, nonmolecular virulence factors contributed to therapeutic failure, such as biofilm formation and selective pressure due to previous exposure to antifungals. Thus, there are many public health challenges in treating fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamile de Paiva Macedo
- Master's Student in Biological Science, Federal University of Juiz de Fora – UFJF Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, MG 36036 900, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cordeiro Dias
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology & Immunology Federal University of Juiz de Fora – UFJF Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, MG 36036 900, Brazil
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2
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Koga S, Takazono T, Namie H, Okuno D, Ito Y, Nakada N, Hirayama T, Takeda K, Ide S, Iwanaga N, Tashiro M, Sakamoto N, Watanabe A, Izumikawa K, Yanagihara K, Tanaka Y, Mukae H. Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibit antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and other filamentous fungi. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0361423. [PMID: 38426765 PMCID: PMC10986472 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03614-23] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are life-threatening diseases, especially among immunocompromised patients. Drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains have been isolated worldwide, which can pose a serious clinical problem. As IA mainly occurs in patients with compromised immune systems, the ideal therapeutic approach should aim to bolster the immune system. In this study, we focused on Vγ9Vδ2 T cells that exhibit immune effector functions and examined the possibility of harnessing this unconventional T cell subset as a novel therapeutic modality for IA. A potent antifungal effect was observed when A. fumigatus (Af293) hyphae were challenged by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells derived from peripheral blood. In addition, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibited antifungal activity against hyphae of all Aspergillus spp., Cunninghamella bertholletiae, and Rhizopus microsporus but not against their conidia. Furthermore, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells also exhibited antifungal activity against azole-resistant A. fumigatus, indicating that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be used for treating drug-resistant A. fumigatus. The antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells depended on cell-to-cell contact with A. fumigatus hyphae, and degranulation characterized by CD107a mobilization seems essential for this activity against A. fumigatus. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be developed as a novel modality for treating IA or mucormycosis. IMPORTANCE Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are often resistant to treatment with conventional antifungal agents and have a high mortality rate. Additionally, effective antifungal treatment is hindered by drug toxicity, given that both fungal and human cells are eukaryotic, and antifungal agents are also likely to act on human cells, resulting in adverse effects. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents specifically targeting fungi is challenging. This study demonstrated the antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against various Aspergillus spp. and several Mucorales in vitro and discussed the mechanism underlying their antifungal activity. We indicate that adoptive immunotherapy using Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may offer a new therapeutic approach to IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Koga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hodaka Namie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daisuke Okuno
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuya Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nana Nakada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Health Center, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Hirayama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shotaro Ide
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Infectious Diseases Experts Training Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Naoki Iwanaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masato Tashiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Noriho Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- Center for Medical Innovation, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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Yagi Y, Yamagishi Y, Hamada Y. Optimized Antifungal Therapy for Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Med Mycol J 2024; 65:59-65. [PMID: 39218648 DOI: 10.3314/mmj.24.005] [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] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) represents a spectrum of lung disorders caused by local proliferation of Aspergillus hyphae in individuals with non-systemic or mildly systemic immunodepression or altered pulmonary integrity due to underlying disease. While long-term systemic antifungal treatment is still the mainstay for management, surgery is considered mainly in rarer invasive disease manifestations such as sinusitis and osteomyelitis. Optimal application of existing antifungal agents with suitable pharmacokinetic properties is important for the treatment of diseases such as CPA, which requires long-term use. Appropriate management of side effects by therapeutic drug monitoring, maintenance of adherence, and assessment of drug resistance to Aspergillus can provide safe and effective treatment in the future. Most available antifungal agents for the management of mycoses in humans have disadvantages that can limit their use in clinical practice. By contrast, second generation antifungals such as triazoles have advantages of extended antifungal spectrum and availability in both oral and intravenous formulations. Isavuconazole, a new extended spectrum triazole, has been shown to be effective against Aspergillus. The safety profile and excellent pharmacokinetic characteristics of isavuconazole make it an attractive option for treatment of invasive fungal infections including CPA. With this drug now available in Japan, new evidence is expected to expand treatment options. This review focuses on the selection of antifungal agents based on national and international guidelines and the characteristics of each agent for their appropriate use in CPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Yagi
- Department of Pharmacy, Kochi Medical School Hospital
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Kochi Medical School Hospital
| | - Yuka Yamagishi
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Kochi Medical School Hospital
- Department of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University
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Souza ACO, Ge W, Wiederhold NP, Rybak JM, Fortwendel JR, Rogers PD. hapE and hmg1 Mutations Are Drivers of cyp51A-Independent Pan-Triazole Resistance in an Aspergillus fumigatus Clinical Isolate. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0518822. [PMID: 37140376 PMCID: PMC10269825 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05188-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous environmental mold that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients and chronic disease in individuals with underlying lung conditions. Triazoles are the most widely used class of antifungal drugs to treat A. fumigatus infections, but their use in the clinic is threatened by the emergence of triazole-resistant isolates worldwide, reinforcing the need for a better understanding of resistance mechanisms. The predominant mechanisms of A. fumigatus triazole resistance involve mutations affecting the promoter region or coding sequence of the target enzyme of the triazoles, Cyp51A. However, triazole-resistant isolates without cyp51A-associated mutations are frequently identified. In this study, we investigate a pan-triazole-resistant clinical isolate, DI15-105, that simultaneously carries the mutations hapEP88L and hmg1F262del, with no mutations in cyp51A. Using a Cas9-mediated gene-editing system, hapEP88L and hmg1F262del mutations were reverted in DI15-105. Here, we show that the combination of these mutations accounts for pan-triazole resistance in DI15-105. To our knowledge, DI15-105 is the first clinical isolate reported to simultaneously carry mutations in hapE and hmg1 and only the second with the hapEP88L mutation. IMPORTANCE Triazole resistance is an important cause of treatment failure and high mortality rates for A. fumigatus human infections. Although Cyp51A-associated mutations are frequently identified as the cause of A. fumigatus triazole resistance, they do not explain the resistance phenotypes for several isolates. In this study, we demonstrate that hapE and hmg1 mutations additively contribute to pan-triazole resistance in an A. fumigatus clinical isolate lacking cyp51-associated mutations. Our results exemplify the importance of and the need for a better understanding of cyp51A-independent triazole resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. O. Souza
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wenbo Ge
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Fungus Testing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jarrod R. Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - P. David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Handelman M, Osherov N. Experimental and in-host evolution of triazole resistance in human pathogenic fungi. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:957577. [PMID: 37746192 PMCID: PMC10512370 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.957577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The leading fungal pathogens causing systemic infections in humans are Candida spp., Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The major class of antifungals used to treat such infections are the triazoles, which target the cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14-α-demethylase, encoded by the ERG11 (yeasts)/cyp51A (molds) genes, catalyzing a key step in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Triazole resistance in clinical fungi is a rising concern worldwide, causing increasing mortality in immunocompromised patients. This review describes the use of serial clinical isolates and in-vitro evolution toward understanding the mechanisms of triazole resistance. We outline, compare, and discuss how these approaches have helped identify the evolutionary pathways taken by pathogenic fungi to acquire triazole resistance. While they all share a core mechanism (mutation and overexpression of ERG11/cyp51A and efflux transporters), their timing and mechanism differs: Candida and Cryptococcus spp. exhibit resistance-conferring aneuploidies and copy number variants not seen in A. fumigatus. Candida spp. have a proclivity to develop resistance by undergoing mutations in transcription factors (TAC1, MRR1, PDR5) that increase the expression of efflux transporters. A. fumigatus is especially prone to accumulate resistance mutations in cyp51A early during the evolution of resistance. Recently, examination of serial clinical isolates and experimental lab-evolved triazole-resistant strains using modern omics and gene editing tools has begun to realize the full potential of these approaches. As a result, triazole-resistance mechanisms can now be analyzed at increasingly finer resolutions. This newfound knowledge will be instrumental in formulating new molecular approaches to fight the rapidly emerging epidemic of antifungal resistant fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Ito Y, Takazono T, Koga S, Nakano Y, Ashizawa N, Hirayama T, Tashiro M, Saijo T, Yamamoto K, Imamura Y, Miyazaki T, Yanagihara K, Izumikawa K, Mukae H. Correction to: Clinical and experimental phenotype of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus with a HapE splice site mutation: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:961. [PMID: 34530767 PMCID: PMC8447582 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06667-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan. .,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Satoru Koga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Nakano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Ashizawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Hirayama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masato Tashiro
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomomi Saijo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuko Yamamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Imamura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Taiga Miyazaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
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