1
|
Kim DR, Jeon CW, Kwak YS. Antifungal Properties of Streptomyces bacillaris S8 for Biological Control Applications. THE PLANT PATHOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 40:322-328. [PMID: 38835303 PMCID: PMC11162865 DOI: 10.5423/ppj.nt.01.2024.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max), a crucial global crop, experiences yearly yield reduction due to diseases such as anthracnose (Colletotrichum truncatum) and root rot (Fusarium spp.). The use of fungicides, which have traditionally been employed to control these phytopathogens, is now facing challenges due to the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains. Streptomyces bacillaris S8 strain S8 is previously known to produce valinomycin t through a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) pathway. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of S. bacillaris S8 against C. truncatum and Fusarium sp., assessing its efficacy against soybean pathogens. The results indicate that strain S8 effectively controlled both above-ground and underground soybean diseases, using the NRPS and NRPS-related compound, suggesting its potential as a biological control in plant-microbe interactions. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the stain S8 in fostering healthy soybean microbial communities and emphasize the significance of microbiota structure studies in unveiling potent biocontrol agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da-Ran Kim
- Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Chang-Wook Jeon
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Youn-Sig Kwak
- Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ramos MLM, Almeida-Silva F, de Souza Rabello VB, Nahal J, Figueiredo-Carvalho MHG, Bernardes-Engemann AR, Poester VR, Xavier MO, Meyer W, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Frases S, Almeida-Paes R. In vitro activity of the anthelmintic drug niclosamide against Sporothrix spp. strains with distinct genetic and antifungal susceptibility backgrounds. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:1359-1368. [PMID: 38466550 PMCID: PMC11153390 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01301-5] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The drugs available to treat sporotrichosis, an important yet neglected fungal infection, are limited. Some Sporothrix spp. strains present reduced susceptibility to these antifungals. Furthermore, some patients may not be indicated to use these drugs, while others may not respond to the therapy. The anthelmintic drug niclosamide is fungicidal against the Sporothrix brasiliensis type strain. This study aimed to evaluate whether niclosamide also has antifungal activity against Sporothrix globosa, Sporothrix schenckii and other S. brasiliensis strains with distinct genotypes and antifungal susceptibility status. Minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC, respectively) were determined using the microdilution method according to the CLSI protocol. The checkerboard method was employed to evaluate niclosamide synergism with drugs used in sporotrichosis treatment. Metabolic activity of the strains under niclosamide treatment was evaluated using the resazurin dye. Niclosamide was active against all S. brasiliensis strains (n = 17), but it was ineffective (MIC > 20 µM) for some strains (n = 4) of other pathogenic Sporothrix species. Niclosamide MIC values for Sporothrix spp. were similar for mycelial and yeast-like forms of the strains (P = 0.6604). Niclosamide was fungicidal (MFC/MIC ratio ≤ 2) for most strains studied (89%). Niclosamide activity against S. brasiliensis is independent of the fungal genotype or non-wild-type phenotypes for amphotericin B, itraconazole, or terbinafine. These antifungal drugs presented indifferent interactions with niclosamide. Niclosamide has demonstrated potential for repurposing as a treatment for sporotrichosis, particularly in S. brasiliensis cases, instigating in vivo studies to validate the in vitro findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lucy Mesquita Ramos
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando Almeida-Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Brito de Souza Rabello
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana Nahal
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Reis Bernardes-Engemann
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vanice Rodrigues Poester
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Melissa Orzechowski Xavier
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute of the KNAW, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Rede Micologia - FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Rede Micologia - FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Biersack B. The Antifungal Potential of Niclosamide and Structurally Related Salicylanilides. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5977. [PMID: 38892165 PMCID: PMC11172841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115977] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human mycoses cover a diverse field of fungal diseases from skin disorders to systemic invasive infections and pose an increasing global health problem based on ineffective treatment options, the hampered development of new efficient drugs, and the emergence of resistant fungal strains. Niclosamide is currently applied for the treatment of worm infections. Its mechanisms of action, which include the suppression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (also known as mitochondrial uncoupling), among others, has led to a repurposing of this promising anthelmintic drug for the therapy of further human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and microbial infections. Given the urgent need to develop new drugs against fungal infections, the considerable antifungal properties of niclosamide are highlighted in this review. Its chemical and pharmacological properties relevant for drug development are also briefly mentioned, and the described mitochondria-targeting mechanisms of action add to the current arsenal of approved antifungal drugs. In addition, the activities of further salicylanilide-based niclosamide analogs against fungal pathogens, including agents applied in veterinary medicine for many years, are described and discussed for their feasibility as new antifungals for humans. Preliminary structure-activity relationships are determined and discussed. Various salicylanilide derivatives with antifungal activities showed increased oral bioavailabilities when compared with niclosamide. The simple synthesis of salicylanilide-based drugs also vouchsafes a broad and cost-effective availability for poorer patient groups. Pertinent literature is covered until 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xavier MO, Poester VR, Trápaga MR, Stevens DA. Sporothrix brasiliensis: Epidemiology, Therapy, and Recent Developments. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:921. [PMID: 37755029 PMCID: PMC10532502 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emergent mycosis that is now a worldwide concern. One important step to sporotrichosis control is its correct treatment. However, limitations abound; thus, new antifungals, mainly focused on S. brasiliensis, are urgently needed. We performed a systematic review (following the PRISMA guideline) focused on (1) the global distribution of human and animal sporotrichosis by S. brasiliensis, especially outside of Brazil; (2) appraising therapies tested against this pathogen. We identified sporotrichosis caused by S. brasiliensis reported in five countries (Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and the United States) in addition to Brazil, occurring on three continents, highlighting the epidemiological scenario in Argentina with an important increase in reported cases in recent years. Regarding the antifungal activity of drugs, 25 articles described the in vitro action of 20 unique chemicals and eight repurposed drugs against S. brasiliensis. Only five studies reported in vivo activity against S. brasiliensis (five drugs) using invertebrate and vertebrate models. Sporotrichosis caused by S. brasiliensis has a global impact and it is no longer specifically a Brazilian problem. We review the need for understanding the disease epidemiology, education of clinicians and of the populace, organization of health care delivery to respond to a spreading epidemic, and research on therapy for sporotrichosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Orzechowski Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil; (M.O.X.); (V.R.P.); (M.R.T.)
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanice Rodrigues Poester
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil; (M.O.X.); (V.R.P.); (M.R.T.)
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rodrigues Trápaga
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil; (M.O.X.); (V.R.P.); (M.R.T.)
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dos Santos BR, Ramos ABDSB, de Menezes RPB, Scotti MT, Colombo FA, Marques MJ, Reimão JQ. Repurposing the Medicines for Malaria Venture's COVID Box to discover potent inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii, and in vivo efficacy evaluation of almitrine bismesylate (MMV1804175) in chronically infected mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288335. [PMID: 37418497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, affects about one-third of the world's population and can cause severe congenital, neurological and ocular issues. Current treatment options are limited, and there are no human vaccines available to prevent transmission. Drug repurposing has been effective in identifying anti-T. gondii drugs. In this study, the screening of the COVID Box, a compilation of 160 compounds provided by the "Medicines for Malaria Venture" organization, was conducted to explore its potential for repurposing drugs to combat toxoplasmosis. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the compounds' ability to inhibit T. gondii tachyzoite growth, assess their cytotoxicity against human cells, examine their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, and investigate the potential of one candidate drug through an experimental chronic model of toxoplasmosis. Early screening identified 29 compounds that could inhibit T. gondii survival by over 80% while keeping human cell survival up to 50% at a concentration of 1 μM. The Half Effective Concentrations (EC50) of these compounds ranged from 0.04 to 0.92 μM, while the Half Cytotoxic Concentrations (CC50) ranged from 2.48 to over 50 μM. Almitrine was chosen for further evaluation due to its favorable characteristics, including anti-T. gondii activity at nanomolar concentrations, low cytotoxicity, and ADMET properties. Administering almitrine bismesylate (Vectarion®) orally at dose of 25 mg/kg/day for ten consecutive days resulted in a statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction in parasite burden in the brains of mice chronically infected with T. gondii (ME49 strain). This was determined by quantifying the RNA of living parasites using real-time PCR. The presented results suggest that almitrine may be a promising drug candidate for additional experimental studies on toxoplasmosis and provide further evidence of the potential of the MMV collections as a valuable source of drugs to be repositioned for infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Ramos Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Preclinical Assays and Research of Alternative Sources of Innovative Therapy for Toxoplasmosis and Other Sicknesses (PARASITTOS), Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí, Jundiaí, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Priscila Barros de Menezes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos (PgPNSB), Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos (IPeFarM), Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos (PgPNSB), Instituto de Pesquisa em Fármacos e Medicamentos (IPeFarM), Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Fábio Antônio Colombo
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Marcos José Marques
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Juliana Quero Reimão
- Laboratory of Preclinical Assays and Research of Alternative Sources of Innovative Therapy for Toxoplasmosis and Other Sicknesses (PARASITTOS), Departamento de Morfologia e Patologia Básica, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí, Jundiaí, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Macedo PM, Benko LMP, Falcão EMM, Nosanchuk JD, Almeida-Paes R, do Valle ACF. COVID-19 in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011322. [PMID: 37155708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2020, we reported the first patient with concomitant COVID-19 and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Since then, no other cases have been recorded in the literature. We aim to update information on the occurrence of COVID-19 in patients with PCM followed at a reference center for infectious diseases at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS We reviewed the medical records from patients diagnosed with PCM who presented with clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and/or laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 at any time during their acute or follow-up care. The clinical profiles of these patients were described. RESULTS Between March 2020 and September 2022, we identified six individuals with COVID-19 among the 117 patients with PCM evaluated. The median age was 38 years and the male to female ratio 2:1. Most patients (n = 5) presented for evaluation due to acute PCM. The severity of COVID-19 ranged from mild to severe in acute PCM and only the single patient with chronic PCM died. CONCLUSIONS There is a range of disease severity in COVID-19 and PCM co-infection and concomitant disease may represent a severe association, especially in the chronic type of the mycosis with pulmonary involvement. As COVID-19 and chronic PCM share similar clinical aspects and PCM is neglected, it is probable that COVID-19 has been hampering simultaneous PCM diagnosis, which can explain the absence of new co-infection reports. With the continued persistence of COVID-19 globally, these findings further suggest that more attention by providers is necessary to identify co-infections with Paracoccidioides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Marques de Macedo
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Infectious Dermatology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lorena Macedo Pestana Benko
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Infectious Dermatology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Mastrangelo Marinho Falcão
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Infectious Dermatology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Francesconi do Valle
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Infectious Dermatology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
de Andrade IB, Corrêa-Junior D, Alves V, Figueiredo-Carvalho MHG, Santos MV, Almeida MA, Valdez AF, Nimrichter L, Almeida-Paes R, Frases S. Cyclosporine Affects the Main Virulence Factors of Cryptococcus neoformans In Vitro. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040487. [PMID: 37108941 PMCID: PMC10140927 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of cyclosporine on the morphology, cell wall structure, and secretion characteristics of Cryptococcus neoformans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cyclosporine was found to be 2 µM (2.4 µg/mL) for the H99 strain. Yeast cells treated with cyclosporine at half the MIC showed altered morphology, including irregular shapes and elongated projections, without an effect on cell metabolism. Cyclosporine treatment resulted in an 18-fold increase in chitin and an 8-fold increase in lipid bodies, demonstrating changes in the fungal cell wall structure. Cyclosporine also reduced cell body and polysaccharide capsule diameters, with a significant reduction in urease secretion in C. neoformans cultures. Additionally, the study showed that cyclosporine increased the viscosity of secreted polysaccharides and reduced the electronegativity and conductance of cells. The findings suggest that cyclosporine has significant effects on C. neoformans morphology, cell wall structure, and secretion, which could have implications for the development of new antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Vinicius Santos
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Marcos Abreu Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Fernandes Valdez
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Coelho RA, Alves GM, Figueiredo-Carvalho MHG, Almeida-Silva F, de Souza GR, Lourenço MCDS, Brito-Santos F, Amaral ACF, Almeida-Paes R. New possibilities for chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis treatment: identification of two compounds from the MMV Pathogen Box® that present synergism with itraconazole. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220089. [PMID: 36102413 PMCID: PMC9467274 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black fungi of the Herpotrichiellaceae family are agents of chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis. There are few therapeutic options for these infections and it is common to associate antifungal drugs in their treatment. OBJECTIVES To investigate the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pathogen Box® for possible compounds presenting synergism with antifungal drugs used to treat black fungal infections. METHODS An initial screening of the Pathogen Box® compounds was performed in combination with itraconazole or terbinafine at sub-inhibitory concentrations against Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Hits were further tested against eight Herpotrichiellaceae using the checkerboard method. FINDINGS No synergism was observed with terbinafine. MMV687273 (SQ109) and MMV688415 showed synergism with itraconazole against F. pedrosoi. Synergism of these compounds was confirmed with some black fungi by the checkerboard method. SQ109 and itraconazole presented synergism for Exophiala dermatitidis, F. pedrosoi, F. monophora and F. nubica, with fungicidal activity for F. pedrosoi and F. monophora. MMV688415 presented synergism with itraconazole only for F. pedrosoi, with fungicidal activity. The synergic compounds had high selectivity index values when combined with itraconazole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These compounds in combination, particularly SQ109, are promising candidates to treat Fonsecaea spp. and E. dermatitidis infections, which account for most cases of chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Alves Coelho
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Gabriela Machado Alves
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Fernando Almeida-Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Gabriela Rodrigues de Souza
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Plataforma de Bioensaios RPT 11B, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria Cristina da Silva Lourenço
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Plataforma de Bioensaios RPT 11B, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Ana Claudia Fernandes Amaral
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Farmanguinhos, Laboratório de Produtos Naturais e Derivados, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jampilek J. Novel avenues for identification of new antifungal drugs and current challenges. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:949-968. [PMID: 35787715 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2097659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Some of otherwise useful fungi are pathogenic to humans, and unfortunately, the number of these pathogens is increasing. In addition to common skin infections, these opportunistic pathogens are able to cause severe, often incurable, systemic mycoses. AREAS COVERED : The number of antifungal drugs is limited, especially drugs that can be used for systemic administration, and resistance to these drugs is very common. This review summarizes various approaches to the discovery and development of new antifungal drugs, provides an overview of the most important molecules in terms of basic (laboratory) research and compounds currently in clinical trials, and focuses on drug repurposing strategy, while providing an overview of drugs of other indications that have been tested in vitro for their antifungal activity for possible expansion of antifungal drugs and/or support of existing antimycotics. EXPERT OPINION : Despite the limitations of the research of new antifungal drugs by pharmaceutical manufacturers, in addition to innovated molecules based on clinically used drugs, several completely new small entities with unique mechanisms of actions have been identified. The identification of new molecular targets that offer alternatives for the development of new unique selective antifungal highly effective agents has been an important outcome of repurposing of non-antifungal drugs to antifungal drug. Also, given the advances in monoclonal antibodies and their application to immunosuppressed patients, it may seem possible to predict a more optimistic future for antifungal therapy than has been the case in recent decades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Jampilek
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia.,Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lim W, Verbon A, van de Sande W. Identifying novel drugs with new modes of action for neglected tropical fungal skin diseases (fungal skinNTDs) using an Open Source Drug discovery approach. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:641-659. [PMID: 35612364 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2080195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The three fungal skin neglected tropical diseases (NTD) mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and sporotrichosis currently lack prioritization and support to establish drug discovery programs in search for novel treatment options. This has made the efforts to identify novel drugs for these skinNTDs fragmented. AREAS COVERED To help escalate the discovery of novel drugs to treat these fungal skinNTDs, the authors have prepared an overview of the compounds with activity against fungal skinNTDs by analyzing data from individual drug discovery studies including those performed on the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) open access boxes. EXPERT OPINION The authors were unable to identify studies in which causative agents of all three skinNTDs were included, indicating that an integrated approach is currently lacking. From the currently available data, the azoles and iodoquinol were the only compounds with activity against causative agents from the three different fungal skinNTDs. Fungal melanin inhibition enhanced the activity of antifungal agents. For mycetoma, the fenarimols, aminothiazoles and benzimidazole carbamates are currently being investigated in the MycetOS initiative. To come to a more integrated approach to identify drugs active against all three fungal skinNTDs, compounds made in the MycetOS initiative could also be explored for chromoblastomycosis and sporotrichosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Lim
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy van de Sande
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|