1
|
Retore YI, Lucini F, Pimentel LR, de Oliveira HC, Simionatto S, Rossato L. Screening of the global health priority BoxⓇ reveals potential new disinfectants against the emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen Candida auris. Microb Pathog 2024; 194:106828. [PMID: 39079575 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106828] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris has been identified by the World Health Organization as a critical pathogen due to its invasive nature, resistance to multiple drugs, and high mortality rates in hospital outbreaks. This fungus can persist on surfaces and human skin for extended periods, complicating infection control efforts. The need for effective disinfection strategies is urgent, as current disinfectants are often ineffective against C. auris biofilms. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to identify potential disinfectants from a collection of 240 compounds in the Global Health Priority Box® that are effective against C. auris, particularly strains resistant to existing options. METHODS The research employed a screening protocol using a fluconazole-resistant strain of C. auris (149/23). Antifungal activity was assessed using the microdilution method to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentrations (MFCs). Additional assays were conducted to evaluate biofilm inhibition, biofilm eradication, cell membrane integrity, nucleotide leakage, sorbitol protection assay, efflux pump inhibition, and hemolysis assay. RESULTS Two compounds, Hydramethylnon (MMV1577471) and Flufenerim (MMV1794206), demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against C. auris. Hydramethylnon exhibited potent antifungal activity, inhibiting up to 93 % of fungal growth with an MFC of 16 μg/mL. Flufenerim inhibited up to 58 % of fungal growth, showing fungistatic action with an MFC greater than 4 μg/mL. Biofilm inhibition tests showed that both compounds significantly inhibited biofilm formation, with increased efficacy at higher concentrations. Both compounds showed eradication rates in both stages. Furthermore, Hydramethylnon and Flufenerim did not affect cell membrane integrity or nucleotide leakage, suggesting a mode of action not reliant on disrupting these cellular components. The sorbitol protection assay revealed that neither compound caused cell wall damage. In the efflux pump inhibition assay, Hydramethylnon did not activate efflux pumps, while Flufenerim activated efflux pumps, reducing its effectiveness. Hemocompatibility assay showed safety. CONCLUSION The study highlights Hydramethylnon and Flufenerim as promising candidates for further development as disinfectants, offering potential solutions to the urgent need for effective disinfection agents against C. auris. The findings underscore the value of screening compound collections to identify novel antifungal agents and understand their mechanisms of action, thereby contributing to the advancement of new disinfection strategies in healthcare settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmim Isabel Retore
- Health Sciences Research Laboratory, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Lucini
- Health Sciences Research Laboratory, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Larissa Rodrigues Pimentel
- Health Sciences Research Laboratory, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Simone Simionatto
- Health Sciences Research Laboratory, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luana Rossato
- Health Sciences Research Laboratory, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dakalbab S, Hamdy R, Holigová P, Abuzaid EJ, Abu-Qiyas A, Lashine Y, Mohammad MG, Soliman SSM. Uniqueness of Candida auris cell wall in morphogenesis, virulence, resistance, and immune evasion. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127797. [PMID: 38851008 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127797] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris has drawn global attention due to its alarming multidrug resistance and the emergence of pan resistant strains. C. auris poses a significant risk in nosocomial candidemia especially among immunocompromised patients. C. auris showed unique virulence characteristics associated with cell wall including cell polymorphism, adaptation, endurance on inanimate surfaces, tolerance to external conditions, and immune evasion. Notably, it possesses a distinctive cell wall composition, with an outer mannan layer shielding the inner 1,3-β glucan from immune recognition, thereby enabling immune evasion and drug resistance. This review aimed to comprehend the association between unique characteristics of C. auris's cell wall and virulence, resistance mechanisms, and immune evasion. This is particularly relevant since the fungal cell wall has no human homology, providing a potential therapeutic target. Understanding the complex interactions between the cell wall and the host immune system is essential for devising effective treatment strategies, such as the use of repurposed medications, novel therapeutic agents, and immunotherapy like monoclonal antibodies. This therapeutic targeting strategy of C. auris holds promise for effective eradication of this resilient pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salam Dakalbab
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | | | - Eman J Abuzaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ameera Abu-Qiyas
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasmina Lashine
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammad G Mohammad
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ghorbanalipoor S, Matsumoto K, Gross N, Heimberg L, Krause M, Veldkamp W, Magens M, Zanken J, Neuschutz KJ, De Luca DA, Kridin K, Vidarsson G, Chakievska L, Visser R, Kunzel S, Recke A, Gupta Y, Boch K, Vorobyev A, Kalies K, Manz RA, Bieber K, Ludwig RJ. High throughput screening identifies repurposable drugs for modulation of innate and acquired immune responses. J Autoimmun 2024; 148:103302. [PMID: 39163739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103302] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
A balanced immune system is essential to maintain adequate host defense and effective self-tolerance. While an immune system that fails to generate appropriate response will permit infections to develop, uncontrolled activation may lead to autoinflammatory or autoimmune diseases. To identify drug candidates capable of modulating immune cell functions, we screened 1200 small molecules from the Prestwick Chemical Library for their property to inhibit innate or adaptive immune responses. Our studies focused specifically on drug interactions with T cells, B cells, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Candidate drugs that were validated in vitro were examined in preclinical models to determine their immunomodulatory impact in chronic inflammatory diseases, here investigated in chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Using this approach, we identified several candidate drugs that were highly effective in preclinical models of chronic inflammatory disease. For example, we found that administration of pyrvinium pamoate, an FDA-approved over-the-counter anthelmintic drug, suppressed B cell activation in vitro and halted the progression of B cell-dependent experimental pemphigoid by reducing numbers of autoantigen-specific B cell responses. In addition, in studies performed in gene-deleted mouse strains provided additional insight into the mechanisms underlying these effects, for example, the receptor-dependent actions of tamoxifen that inhibit immune-complex-mediated activation of PMNs. Collectively, our methods and findings provide a vast resource that can be used to identify drugs that may be repurposed and used to promote or inhibit cellular immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazuko Matsumoto
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Natalie Gross
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Linda Heimberg
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Malin Krause
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Wendelien Veldkamp
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Moritz Magens
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Johannes Zanken
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kerstin J Neuschutz
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - David A De Luca
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Khalaf Kridin
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lenche Chakievska
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Remco Visser
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sven Kunzel
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Andreas Recke
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Yask Gupta
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katharina Boch
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Artem Vorobyev
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kalies
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rudolf A Manz
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Ralf J Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Borgio JF, Almandil NB, Selvaraj P, John JS, Alquwaie R, AlHasani E, Alhur NF, Aldahhan R, AlJindan R, Almohazey D, Almofty S, Dhas TS, AbdulAzeez S. The Potential of Dutasteride for Treating Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris Infection. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:810. [PMID: 38931930 PMCID: PMC11207579 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060810] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel antifungal drugs are urgently needed to treat candidiasis caused by the emerging fungal multidrug-resistant pathogen Candida auris. In this study, the most cost-effective drug repurposing technology was adopted to identify an appropriate option among the 1615 clinically approved drugs with anti-C. auris activity. High-throughput virtual screening of 1,3-beta-glucanosyltransferase inhibitors was conducted, followed by an analysis of the stability of 1,3-beta-glucanosyltransferase drug complexes and 1,3-beta-glucanosyltransferase-dutasteride metabolite interactions and the confirmation of their activity in biofilm formation and planktonic growth. The analysis identified dutasteride, a drug with no prior antifungal indications, as a potential medication for anti-auris activity in seven clinical C. auris isolates from Saudi Arabian patients. Dutasteride was effective at inhibiting biofilm formation by C. auris while also causing a significant reduction in planktonic growth. Dutasteride treatment resulted in disruption of the cell membrane, the lysis of cells, and crushed surfaces on C. auris, and significant (p-value = 0.0057) shrinkage in the length of C. auris was noted at 100,000×. In conclusion, the use of repurposed dutasteride with anti-C. auris potential can enable rapid recovery in patients with difficult-to-treat candidiasis caused by C. auris and reduce the transmission of nosocomial infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Francis Borgio
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (J.F.B.); (N.F.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Noor B. Almandil
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Prathas Selvaraj
- Entomology Research Unit (ERU), Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli 627002, Tamil Nadu, India; (P.S.); (J.S.J.)
| | - J. Sherlin John
- Entomology Research Unit (ERU), Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli 627002, Tamil Nadu, India; (P.S.); (J.S.J.)
| | - Rahaf Alquwaie
- Master Program of Biotechnology, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia or (R.A.); or (E.A.)
| | - Eman AlHasani
- Master Program of Biotechnology, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia or (R.A.); or (E.A.)
| | - Norah F. Alhur
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (J.F.B.); (N.F.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Razan Aldahhan
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (J.F.B.); (N.F.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Reem AlJindan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 40017, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Dana Almohazey
- Department of Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Sarah Almofty
- Department of Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.); (S.A.)
| | - T. Stalin Dhas
- Centre for Ocean Research (DST—FIST Sponsored Centre), MoES-Earth Science & Technology Cell, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600119, India;
| | - Sayed AbdulAzeez
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultation (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (J.F.B.); (N.F.A.); (R.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bose S, Sahu SR, Dutta A, Acharya N. A chemically induced attenuated strain of Candida albicans generates robust protective immune responses and prevents systemic candidiasis development. eLife 2024; 13:RP93760. [PMID: 38787374 PMCID: PMC11126311 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93760] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite current antifungal therapy, invasive candidiasis causes >40% mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, developing an antifungal vaccine is a priority. Here, we could for the first time successfully attenuate the virulence of Candida albicans by treating it with a fungistatic dosage of EDTA and demonstrate it to be a potential live whole cell vaccine by using murine models of systemic candidiasis. EDTA inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of C. albicans. RNA-seq analyses of EDTA-treated cells (CAET) revealed that genes mostly involved in metal homeostasis and ribosome biogenesis were up- and down-regulated, respectively. Consequently, a bulky cell wall with elevated levels of mannan and β-glucan, and reduced levels of total monosomes and polysomes were observed. CAET was eliminated faster than the untreated strain (Ca) as found by differential fungal burden in the vital organs of the mice. Higher monocytes, granulocytes, and platelet counts were detected in Ca- vs CAET-challenged mice. While hyper-inflammation and immunosuppression caused the killing of Ca-challenged mice, a critical balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines-mediated immune responses are the likely reasons for the protective immunity in CAET-infected mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swagata Bose
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Satya Ranjan Sahu
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Abinash Dutta
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Narottam Acharya
- Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alves de Lima e Silva A, Rio-Tinto A. Ebselen: A Promising Repurposing Drug to Treat Infections Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2024; 2024:9109041. [PMID: 38586592 PMCID: PMC10998725 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial multiresistance to drugs is a rapidly growing global phenomenon. New resistance mechanisms have been described in different bacterial pathogens, threatening the effective treatment of even common infectious diseases. The problem worsens in infections associated with biofilms because, in addition to the pathogen's multiresistance, the biofilm provides a barrier that prevents antimicrobial access. Several "non-antibiotic" drugs have antimicrobial activity, even though it is not their primary therapeutic purpose. However, due to the urgent need to develop effective antimicrobials to treat diseases caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, there has been an increase in research into "non-antibiotic" drugs to offer an alternative therapy through the so-called drug repositioning or repurposing. The prospect of new uses for existing drugs has the advantage of reducing the time and effort required to develop new compounds. Moreover, many drugs are already well characterized regarding toxicity and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. Ebselen has shown promise for use as a repurposing drug for antimicrobial purposes. It is a synthetic organoselenium with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity. A very attractive factor for using ebselen is that, in addition to potent antimicrobial activity, its minimum inhibitory concentration is very low for microbial pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agostinho Alves de Lima e Silva
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms, Biomedical Institute, DMP, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro 20211-030, Brazil
| | - André Rio-Tinto
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Cocci and Microbiota, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
García-Barbazán I, Torres-Cano A, García-Rodas R, Sachse M, Luque D, Megías D, Zaragoza O. Accumulation of endogenous free radicals is required to induce titan-like cell formation in Cryptococcus neoformans. mBio 2024; 15:e0254923. [PMID: 38078728 PMCID: PMC10790760 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02549-23] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cryptococcus neoformans is an excellent model to investigate fungal pathogenesis. This yeast can produce "titan cells," which are cells of an abnormally larger size that contribute to the persistence of the yeast in the host. In this work, we have used a new approach to characterize them by identifying drugs that inhibit this process. We have used a repurposing off-patent drug library, combined with an automatic method to image and analyze fungal cell size. In this way, we have identified many compounds that inhibit this transition. Interestingly, several compounds were antioxidants, allowing us to confirm that endogenous ROS and mitochondrial changes are important for titan cell formation. This work provides new evidence of the mechanisms required for titanization. Furthermore, the future characterization of the inhibitory mechanisms of the identified compounds by the scientific community will contribute to better understand the role of titan cells in virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene García-Barbazán
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Torres-Cano
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío García-Rodas
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Sachse
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Central Core Facilities, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Luque
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Central Core Facilities, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Megías
- Advanced Optical Microscopy Unit, Central Core Facilities, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Zaragoza
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Network in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-CB21/13/00105), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Babler K, Sharkey M, Arenas S, Amirali A, Beaver C, Comerford S, Goodman K, Grills G, Holung M, Kobetz E, Laine J, Lamar W, Mason C, Pronty D, Reding B, Schürer S, Schaefer Solle N, Stevenson M, Vidović D, Solo-Gabriele H, Shukla B. Detection of the clinically persistent, pathogenic yeast spp. Candida auris from hospital and municipal wastewater in Miami-Dade County, Florida. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165459. [PMID: 37442462 PMCID: PMC10543605 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) for detecting pathogens within communities has been growing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic with early efforts investigating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in wastewater. Recent efforts have shed light on the utilization of WBS for alternative targets, such as fungal pathogens, like Candida auris, in efforts to expand the technology to assess non-viral targets. The objective of this study was to extend workflows developed for SARS-CoV-2 quantification to evaluate whether C. auris can be recovered from wastewater, inclusive of effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and from a hospital with known numbers of patients colonized with C. auris. Measurements of C. auris in wastewater focused on culture-based methods and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results showed that C. auris can be cultured from wastewater and that levels detected by qPCR were higher in the hospital wastewater compared to the wastewater from the WWTP, suggesting either dilution or degradation of this pathogenic yeast at downstream collection points. The results from this study illustrate that WBS can extend beyond SARS-CoV-2 monitoring to evaluate additional non-viral pathogenic targets and demonstrates that C. auris isolated from wastewater is competent to replicate in vitro using fungal-specific culture media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Babler
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Mark Sharkey
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sebastian Arenas
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ayaaz Amirali
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Cynthia Beaver
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Samuel Comerford
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kenneth Goodman
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Institute for Data Science & Computing, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - George Grills
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Michelle Holung
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Erin Kobetz
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jennifer Laine
- Environmental Health and Safety, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Walter Lamar
- Division of Occupational Health, Safety & Compliance, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Christopher Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Darryl Pronty
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Brian Reding
- Environmental Health and Safety, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Stephan Schürer
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Institute for Data Science & Computing, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Natasha Schaefer Solle
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Mario Stevenson
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Dusica Vidović
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Bhavarth Shukla
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramage G, Borghi E, Rodrigues CF, Kean R, Williams C, Lopez-Ribot J. Our current clinical understanding of Candida biofilms: where are we two decades on? APMIS 2023; 131:636-653. [PMID: 36932821 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13310] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Clinically we have been aware of the concept of Candida biofilms for many decades, though perhaps without the formal designation. Just over 20 years ago the subject emerged on the back of progress made from the bacterial biofilms, and academic progress pace has continued to mirror the bacterial biofilm community, albeit at a decreased volume. It is apparent that Candida species have a considerable capacity to colonize surfaces and interfaces and form tenacious biofilm structures, either alone or in mixed species communities. From the oral cavity, to the respiratory and genitourinary tracts, wounds, or in and around a plethora of biomedical devices, the scope of these infections is vast. These are highly tolerant to antifungal therapies that has a measurable impact on clinical management. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overight of our current clinical understanding of where these biofilms cause infections, and we discuss existing and emerging antifungal therapies and strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Ramage
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Medical School, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Célia Fortuna Rodrigues
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- LEPABE-Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Ryan Kean
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Williams
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Microbiology Department, Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jose Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Biology and the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roy M, Karhana S, Shamsuzzaman M, Khan MA. Recent drug development and treatments for fungal infections. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1695-1716. [PMID: 37219748 PMCID: PMC10484882 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00999-z] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are now becoming a hazard to individuals which has paved the way for research to expand the therapeutic options available. Recent advances in drug design and compound screening have also increased the pace of the development of antifungal drugs. Although several novel potential molecules are reported, those discoveries have yet to be translated from bench to bedside. Polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and flucytosine are among the few antifungal agents that are available for the treatment of fungal infections, but such conventional therapies show certain limitations like toxicity, drug interactions, and the development of resistance which limits the utility of existing antifungals, contributing to significant mortality and morbidity. This review article focuses on the existing therapies, the challenges associated with them, and the development of new therapies, including the ongoing and recent clinical trials, for the treatment of fungal infections. Advancements in antifungal treatment: a graphical overview of drug development, adverse effects, and future prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhura Roy
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Sonali Karhana
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Md Shamsuzzaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Sahqra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Ashif Khan
- Centre for Translational & Clinical Research, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lohse MB, Laurie MT, Levan S, Ziv N, Ennis CL, Nobile CJ, DeRisi J, Johnson AD. Broad susceptibility of Candida auris strains to 8-hydroxyquinolines and mechanisms of resistance. mBio 2023; 14:e0137623. [PMID: 37493629 PMCID: PMC10470496 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01376-23] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Candida auris represents a severe threat to hospitalized patients. Its resistance to multiple classes of antifungal drugs and ability to spread and resist decontamination in healthcare settings make it especially dangerous. We screened 1,990 clinically approved and late-stage investigational compounds for the potential to be repurposed as antifungal drugs targeting C. auris and narrowed our focus to five Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds with inhibitory concentrations under 10 µM for C. auris and significantly lower toxicity to three human cell lines. These compounds, some of which had been previously identified in independent screens, include three dihalogenated 8-hydroxyquinolines: broxyquinoline, chloroxine, and clioquinol. A subsequent structure-activity study of 32 quinoline derivatives found that 8-hydroxyquinolines, especially those dihalogenated at the C5 and C7 positions, were the most effective inhibitors of C. auris. To pursue these compounds further, we exposed C. auris to clioquinol in an extended experimental evolution study and found that C. auris developed only twofold to fivefold resistance to the compound. DNA sequencing of resistant strains and subsequent verification by directed mutation in naive strains revealed that resistance was due to mutations in the transcriptional regulator CAP1 (causing upregulation of the drug transporter MDR1) and in the drug transporter CDR1. These mutations had only modest effects on resistance to traditional antifungal agents, and the CDR1 mutation rendered C. auris more susceptible to posaconazole. This observation raises the possibility that a combination treatment involving an 8-hydroxyquinoline and posaconazole might prevent C. auris from developing resistance to this established antifungal agent. IMPORTANCE The rapidly emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris represents a growing threat to hospitalized patients, in part due to frequent resistance to multiple classes of antifungal drugs. We identify a class of compounds, the dihalogenated 8-hydroxyquinolines, with broad fungistatic ability against a diverse collection of 13 strains of C. auris. Although this compound has been identified in previous screens, we extended the analysis by showing that C. auris developed only modest twofold to fivefold increases in resistance to this class of compounds despite long-term exposure; a noticeable difference from the 30- to 500-fold increases in resistance reported for similar studies with commonly used antifungal drugs. We also identify the mutations underlying the resistance. These results suggest that the dihalogenated 8-hydroxyquinolines are working inside the fungal cell and should be developed further to combat C. auris and other fungal pathogens. Lohse and colleagues characterize a class of compounds that inhibit the fungal pathogen C. auris. Unlike many other antifungal drugs, C. auris does not readily develop resistance to this class of compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B. Lohse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthew T. Laurie
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sophia Levan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Naomi Ziv
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Craig L. Ennis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, California, USA
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, California, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Joseph DeRisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alexander D. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ajetunmobi OH, Wall G, Vidal Bonifacio B, Martinez Delgado LA, Chaturvedi AK, Najvar LK, Wormley FL, Patterson HP, Wiederhold NP, Patterson TF, Lopez-Ribot JL. High-Throughput Screening of the Repurposing Hub Library to Identify Drugs with Novel Inhibitory Activity against Candida albicans and Candida auris Biofilms. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:879. [PMID: 37754987 PMCID: PMC10532723 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090879] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis is one of the most frequent nosocomial infections affecting an increasing number of at-risk patients. Candida albicans remains the most frequent causative agent of candidiasis, but, in the last decade, C. auris has emerged as a formidable multi-drug-resistant pathogen. Both species are fully capable of forming biofilms, which contribute to resistance, increasing the urgency for new effective antifungal therapies. Repurposing existing drugs could significantly accelerate the development of novel therapies against candidiasis. Here, we have screened the Repurposing Hub library from the Broad Institute, containing over 6000 compounds, in search for inhibitors of C. albicans and C. auris biofilm formation. The primary screen identified 57 initial hits against C. albicans and 33 against C. auris. Confirmatory concentration-dependent assays were used to validate the activity of the initial hits and, at the same time, establish their anti-biofilm potency. Based on these results, ebselen, temsirolimus, and compound BAY 11-7082 emerged as the leading repositionable compounds. Subsequent experiments established their spectrum of antifungal activity against yeasts and filamentous fungi. In addition, their in vivo activity was examined in the murine models of hematogenously disseminated C. albicans and C. auris infections. Although promising, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm their potential use for the therapy of candidiasis and possibly other fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olabayo H. Ajetunmobi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Gina Wall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Bruna Vidal Bonifacio
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| | | | - Ashok K. Chaturvedi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| | - Laura K. Najvar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (L.K.N.); (T.F.P.)
| | - Floyd L. Wormley
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA;
| | - Hoja P. Patterson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.P.P.); (N.P.W.)
| | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (H.P.P.); (N.P.W.)
| | - Thomas F. Patterson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (L.K.N.); (T.F.P.)
| | - Jose L. Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (O.H.A.); (A.K.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Oliveira H, Bezerra BT, Rodrigues ML. Antifungal Development and the Urgency of Minimizing the Impact of Fungal Diseases on Public Health. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:137-146. [PMID: 37101810 PMCID: PMC10125384 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a major public health problem resulting from the lack of public policies addressing these diseases, toxic and/or expensive therapeutic tools, scarce diagnostic tests, and unavailable vaccines. In this Perspective, we discuss the need for novel antifungal alternatives, highlighting new initiatives based on drug repurposing and the development of novel antifungals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bárbara T. Bezerra
- Instituto
Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba81310-020, Brazil
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Instituto
Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba81310-020, Brazil
- Instituto
de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro21941-902, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lohse MB, Laurie MT, Levan S, Ziv N, Ennis CL, Nobile CJ, DeRisi J, Johnson AD. Broad sensitivity of Candida auris strains to quinolones and mechanisms of resistance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.16.528905. [PMID: 36824717 PMCID: PMC9949084 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.16.528905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Candida auris represents a severe threat to hospitalized patients. Its resistance to multiple classes of antifungal drugs and ability to spread and resist decontamination in health-care settings make it especially dangerous. We screened 1,990 clinically approved and late-stage investigational compounds for the potential to be repurposed as antifungal drugs targeting C. auris and narrowed our focus to five FDA-approved compounds with inhibitory concentrations under 10 µM for C. auris and significantly lower toxicity to three human cell lines. These compounds, some of which had been previously identified in independent screens, include three dihalogenated 8-hydroxyquinolines: broxyquinoline, chloroxine, and clioquinol. A subsequent structure-activity study of 32 quinoline derivatives found that 8-hydroxyquinolines, especially those dihalogenated at the C5 and C7 positions, were the most effective inhibitors of C. auris . To pursue these compounds further, we exposed C. auris to clioquinol in an extended experimental evolution study and found that C. auris developed only 2- to 5-fold resistance to the compound. DNA sequencing of resistant strains and subsequent verification by directed mutation in naive strains revealed that resistance was due to mutations in the transcriptional regulator CAP1 (causing upregulation of the drug transporter MDR1 ) and in the drug transporter CDR1 . These mutations had only modest effects on resistance to traditional antifungal agents, and the CDR1 mutation rendered C. auris more sensitive to posaconazole. This observation raises the possibility that a combination treatment involving an 8-hydroxyquinoline and posaconazole might prevent C. auris from developing resistance to this established antifungal agent. Abstract Importance The rapidly emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris represents a growing threat to hospitalized patients, in part due to frequent resistance to multiple classes of antifungal drugs. We identify a class of compounds, the dihalogenated hydroxyquinolines, with broad fungistatic ability against a diverse collection of 13 strains of C. auris . Although this compound has been identified in previous screens, we extended the analysis by showing that C. auris developed only modest 2- to 5-fold increases in resistance to this class of compounds despite long-term exposure; a noticeable difference from the 30- to 500- fold increases in resistance reported for similar studies with commonly used antifungal drugs. We also identify the mutations underlying the resistance. These results suggest that the dihalogenated hydroxyquinolines are working inside the fungal cell and should be developed further to combat C. auris and other fungal pathogens. Tweet Lohse and colleagues characterize a class of compounds that inhibit the fungal pathogen C. auris . Unlike many other antifungal drugs, C. auris does not readily develop resistance to this class of compounds.
Collapse
|
15
|
Winter C, Siepe I, Wise A, Dorali A, Barrett AGM, Witschel M. Agrochemical Lessons for Infectious Disease Research: New Resistance Breaking Antifungal Hits against Candida auris. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:136-140. [PMID: 36793433 PMCID: PMC9923843 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00497] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysis of the history of the invention of the block-buster antifungal drug Fluconazole underscores the importance of agrochemical research on drug discovery and development. The multidrug resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris is now responsible for serious morbidity and mortality among immuno-compromised and long-term resident hospital patients globally. New drugs against C. auris are urgently needed. A focused screening of 1487 fungicides from the BASF agrochemical collection gave several potent inhibitors of C. auris with yet noncommercialized modes of action. The hits showed only minor activity loss against the azole-resistant C. auris strain CDC 0385 and low to moderate cytotoxicity to human HepG2 cells. Aminopyrimidine 4 showed high activity against resistant strains and selectivity in a HepG2 cells assay and is a potential hit candidate for further optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew Wise
- Evotec, Alderley
Park, Cheshire SK10 4TG, U.K.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hoy MJ, Heitman J. Drug Target Elucidation Through Isolation and Analysis of Drug-Resistant Mutants in Cryptococcus neoformans. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2658:127-143. [PMID: 37024699 PMCID: PMC10602406 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3155-3_9] [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] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug target identification is an essential component to antifungal drug development. Many methods, including large chemical library screening, natural product screening, and drug repurposing efforts, can identify compounds with favorable in vitro antifungal activity. However, these approaches will often identify compounds with no known mechanism of action. Herein, we describe a method utilizing the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans to identify antifungal drug targets through the isolation of spontaneous resistant mutants, antifungal testing, whole-genome sequencing, and variant analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hoy
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tu J, Liu N, Huang Y, Yang W, Sheng C. Small molecules for combating multidrug-resistant superbug Candida auris infections. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4056-4074. [PMID: 36386475 PMCID: PMC9643296 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is emerging as a major global threat to human health. C. auris infections are associated with high mortality due to intrinsic multi-drug resistance. Currently, therapeutic options for the treatment of C. auris infections are rather limited. We aim to provide a comprehensive review of current strategies, drug candidates, and lead compounds in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents against C. auris. The drug resistance profiles and mechanisms are briefly summarized. The structures and activities of clinical candidates, drug combinations, antifungal chemosensitizers, repositioned drugs, new targets, and new types of compounds will be illustrated in detail, and perspectives for guiding future research will be provided. We hope that this review will be helpful to prompting the drug development process to combat this fungal pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yahui Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wanzhen Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Arip M, Selvaraja M, R M, Tan LF, Leong MY, Tan PL, Yap VL, Chinnapan S, Tat NC, Abdullah M, K D, Jubair N. Review on Plant-Based Management in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance - Mechanistic Perspective. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:879495. [PMID: 36249774 PMCID: PMC9557208 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.879495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes no longer respond to any pharmacological agents, rendering the conventional antimicrobial agents ineffective. AMR has been classified as one of the top 10 life-threatening global health problems needed multilevel attention and global cooperation to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) according to the World Health Organization (WHO), making the discovery of a new and effective antimicrobial agent a priority. The recommended treatments for drug-resistant microbes are available but limited. Furthermore, the transformation of microbes over time increases the risk of developing drug resistance. Hence, plant metabolites such as terpenes, phenolic compounds and alkaloids are widely studied due to their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic effects. Plant-derived antimicrobials are preferred due to their desirable efficacy and safety profile. Plant metabolites work by targeting microbial cell membranes, interfering with the synthesis of microbial DNA/RNA/enzymes and disrupting quorum sensing and efflux pump expression. They also work synergistically with conventional antibiotics to enhance antimicrobial effects. Accordingly, this review aims to identify currently available pharmacological therapies against microbes and AMR, as well as to discuss the importance of plant and secondary metabolites as a possible solution for AMR together with their mechanisms of action. All the information was obtained from government databases, WHO websites, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Based on the information obtained, AMR is regarded as a significant warning to global healthcare. Plant derivatives such as secondary metabolites may be considered as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the non-ending AMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masita Arip
- Allergy and Immunology Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Setia Alam, Malaysia
| | - Malarvili Selvaraja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Mogana R
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Lee Fang Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Mun Yee Leong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Puay Luan Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Vi Lien Yap
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Sasikala Chinnapan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Ng Chin Tat
- Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Maha Abdullah
- Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Dharmendra K
- Narayan Institute of Pharmacy, Gopal Narayan Singh University, Jamuhar, India
| | - Najwan Jubair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mitra S, Sultana SA, Prova SR, Uddin TM, Islam F, Das R, Nainu F, Sartini S, Chidambaram K, Alhumaydhi FA, Emran TB, Simal-Gandara J. Investigating forthcoming strategies to tackle deadly superbugs: current status and future vision. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:1309-1332. [PMID: 36069241 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2122442] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Superbugs are microorganisms that cause disease and have increased resistance to the treatments typically used against infections. Recently, antibiotic resistance development has been more rapid than the pace at which antibiotics are manufactured, leading to refractory infections of pathogenic bacteria. Scientists are concerned that a particularly virulent and lethal "superbug" will one day join the ranks of existing bacteria that cause incurable diseases, resulting in a global health disaster on the scale of the Black Death. AREAS COVERED Therefore, this study highlights the current developments in the management of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and recommends strategies for further regulating antibiotic-resistant microorganisms associated with the healthcare system. This review also addresses the origins, prevalence, and pathogenicity of superbugs, and the design of antibacterial against these growing multidrug-resistant organisms from a medical perspective. EXPERT OPINION It is recommended that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be addressed by limiting human-to-human transmission of resistant strains, lowering the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and developing novel antimicrobials. Using the risk-factor domains framework from this study would assure that not only clinical but also community and hospital-specific factors are covered, lowering the chance of confounders. Extensive subjective research is necessary to fully understand the underlying factors and uncover previously unexplored areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Sifat Ara Sultana
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Shajuthi Rahman Prova
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tanvir Mahtab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Fahadul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Rajib Das
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Firzan Nainu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi 90245, Indonesia
| | - Sartini Sartini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Kumarappan Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.,Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo - Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Izadi A, Aghaei Gharehbolagh S, Sadeghi F, Talebi M, Darmiani K, Zarrinnia A, Zarei F, Peymaeei F, Khojasteh S, Borman AM, Mahmoudi S. Drug repurposing against Candida auris: A systematic review. Mycoses 2022; 65:784-793. [PMID: 35665544 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Candida auris is a drug-resistant pathogen with several reported outbreaks. The treatment of C. auris infections is difficult due to a limited number of available antifungal drugs. Thus, finding alternative drugs through repurposing approaches would be clinically beneficial. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar up to 1 November 2021, was conducted to find all articles with data regarding the antifungal activity of non-antifungal drugs against the planktonic and biofilm forms of C. auris. During database and hand searching, 290 articles were found, of which 13 were eligible for inclusion in the present study. Planktonic and biofilm forms have been studied in 11 and 8 articles (with both forms examined in 6 articles), respectively. In total, 22 and 12 drugs/compounds have been reported as repositionable against planktonic and biofilm forms of C. auris, respectively. Antiparasitic drugs, with the dominance of miltefosine, were the most common repurposed drugs against both forms of C. auris, followed by anticancer drugs (e.g. alexidine dihydrochloride) against the planktonic form and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ebselen) against the biofilm form of the fungus. A collection of other drugs from various classes have also shown promising activity against C. auris. Following drug repurposing approaches, a number of drugs/compounds from various classes have been found to inhibit the planktonic and biofilm forms of C. auris. Accordingly, drug repurposing is an encouraging approach for discovering potential alternatives to conventional antifungal agents to combat drug resistance in fungi, especially C. auris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Izadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sanaz Aghaei Gharehbolagh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Talebi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Darmiani
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrinnia
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Zarei
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Peymaeei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Khojasteh
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Andrew M Borman
- Public Health England UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Southmead Hospital Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Initial Results of the International Efforts in Screening New Agents against Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080771. [PMID: 35893139 PMCID: PMC9330594 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris is an emergent fungal pathogen and a global concern, mostly due to its resistance to many currently available antifungal drugs. OBJECTIVE Thus, in response to this challenge, we evaluated the in vitro activity of potential new drugs, diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 and nikkomycin Z (nikZ), alone and in association with currently available antifungals (azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes) against Candida auris. METHODS Clinical isolates of C. auris were tested in vitro. (PhSe)2 and nikZ activities were tested alone and in combination with amphotericin B, fluconazole, or the echinocandins, micafungin and caspofungin. RESULTS (PhSe)2 alone was unable to inhibit C. auris, and antagonism or indifferent effects were observed in the combination of this compound with the antifungals tested. NikZ appeared not active alone either, but frequently acted cooperatively with conventional antifungals. CONCLUSION Our data show that (PhSe)2 appears to not have a good potential to be a candidate in the development of new drugs to treat C. auris, but that nikZ is worthy of further study.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abduljalil H, Bakri A, Albashaireh K, Alshanta OA, Brown JL, Sherry L, Kean R, Nile C, McLean W, Ramage G. Screening the Tocriscreen™ bioactive compound library in search for inhibitors of
Candida
biofilm formation. APMIS 2022; 130:568-577. [PMID: 35791082 PMCID: PMC9541805 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms formed by Candida species present a significant clinical problem due to the ineffectiveness of many conventional antifungal agents, in particular the azole class. We urgently require new and clinically approved antifungal agents quickly for treatment of critically ill patients. To improve efficiency in antifungal drug development, we utilized a library of 1280 biologically active molecules within the Tocriscreen 2.0 Micro library. Candida aurisNCPF 8973 and Candida albicansSC5314 were initially screened for biofilm inhibitory activity using metabolic and biomass quantitative assessment methods, followed up by targeted evaluation of five selected hits. The initial screening (80% metabolic inhibition rate) revealed that there was 90 and 87 hits (approx. 7%) for C. albicans and C. auris, respectively. Additionally, all five compounds selected from the initial hits exhibited a biofilm inhibition effect against several key Candida species tested, including C. glabrata and C. krusei. Toyocamycin displayed the most potent activity at concentrations as low as 0.5 μg/mL, though was limited to inhibition. Darapladib demonstrated an efficacy for biofilm inhibition and treatment at a concentration range from 8 to 32 μg/mL and from 16 to 256 μg/mL, respectively. Combinational testing with conventional antifungals against C. albicans strains demonstrated a range of synergies for planktonic cells, and notably an anti‐biofilm synergy for darapladib and caspofungin. Together, these data provide new insights into antifungal management possibilities for Candida biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hafsa Abduljalil
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Group School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Ahmed Bakri
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Group School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Khawlah Albashaireh
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Group School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Om Alkhir Alshanta
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Group School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Jason L. Brown
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Group School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Leighann Sherry
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Group School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Ryan Kean
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Glasgow Caledonian University
| | | | - William McLean
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Group School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Group School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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
|
24
|
Brown JL, Short B, Ware A, Sherry L, Kean R, Ramage G. Cell Viability Assays for Candida auris. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2517:129-153. [PMID: 35674950 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2417-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cell viability assays are useful for assessing the efficacy of antifungal therapeutics and disinfection strategies in vitro. In recent years these assays have been fundamental for the testing of conventional and novel therapies against the nosocomial fungal pathogen Candida auris. Here we provide detailed descriptions of methods for assessing cellular viability of Candida auris in vitro, such as metabolic assays (XTT and resazurin), colony-forming unit counting, live/dead quantitative PCR, and fluorescent staining for microscopic analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Brown
- Oral Sciences Research Group, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK. .,Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Bryn Short
- Oral Sciences Research Group, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK.,Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alicia Ware
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Biological and Biomedical, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Leighann Sherry
- Oral Sciences Research Group, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK.,Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ryan Kean
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Biological and Biomedical, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Oral Sciences Research Group, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK. .,Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gnat S, Łagowski D, Dyląg M, Jóźwiak G, Trościańczyk A, Nowakiewicz A. In Vitro Activity of Ebselen and Diphenyl Diselenide Alone and in Combination with Drugs against Trichophyton mentagrophytes Strains. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061158. [PMID: 35745731 PMCID: PMC9229022 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061158] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dermatophytoses are one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world for which the pace of developing new drugs has not kept pace with the observed therapeutic problems. Thus, searching for new antifungals with an alternative and novel mechanism of action is necessary. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of ebselen and diphenyl diselenide against Trichophyton mentagrophytes clinical isolates. Methods: In vitro antifungal susceptibility was assessed for organoselenium compounds used alone or in combination with allylamines and azoles according to the 3rd edition of the CLSI M38 protocol. Results: Ebselen demonstrated high antifungal activity with MICGM equal to 0.442 μg/mL and 0.518 μg/mL in the case of human and animal origin strains, respectively. The values of MICGM of diphenyl diselenide were higher: 17.36 μg/mL and 13.45 μg/mL for the human and animal isolates, respectively. Synergistic or additive effects between terbinafine and ebselen or diphenyl diselenide were observed in the case of 12% and 20% strains, respectively. In turn, the combination of itraconazole with diphenyl diselenide showed a synergistic effect only in the case of 6% of the tested strains, whereas no synergism was shown in the combination with ebselen. Conclusions: The results highlight the promising activity of organoselenium compounds against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. However, their use in combinational therapy with antifungal drugs seems to be unjustified due to the weak synergistic effect observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gnat
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (D.Ł.); (A.T.); (A.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-445-6093
| | - Dominik Łagowski
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (D.Ł.); (A.T.); (A.N.)
| | - Mariusz Dyląg
- Department of Mycology and Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, S. Przybyszewskiego 63, 50-137 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Jóźwiak
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Trościańczyk
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (D.Ł.); (A.T.); (A.N.)
| | - Aneta Nowakiewicz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (D.Ł.); (A.T.); (A.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Simm C, Weerasinghe H, Thomas DR, Harrison PF, Newton HJ, Beilharz TH, Traven A. Disruption of Iron Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Metabolism Are Promising Targets to Inhibit Candida auris. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0010022. [PMID: 35412372 PMCID: PMC9045333 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00100-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a global threat, but treatments are limited due to a paucity in antifungal drug targets and the emergence of drug-resistant fungi such as Candida auris. Metabolic adaptations enable microbial growth in nutrient-scarce host niches, and they further control immune responses to pathogens, thereby offering opportunities for therapeutic targeting. Because it is a relatively new pathogen, little is known about the metabolic requirements for C. auris growth and its adaptations to counter host defenses. Here, we establish that triggering metabolic dysfunction is a promising strategy against C. auris. Treatment with pyrvinium pamoate (PP) induced metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dysfunction evident in disrupted mitochondrial morphology and reduced tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzyme activity. PP also induced changes consistent with disrupted iron homeostasis. Nutrient supplementation experiments support the proposition that PP-induced metabolic dysfunction is driven by disrupted iron homeostasis, which compromises carbon and lipid metabolism and mitochondria. PP inhibited C. auris replication in macrophages, which is a relevant host niche for this yeast pathogen. We propose that PP causes a multipronged metabolic hit to C. auris: it restricts the micronutrient iron to potentiate nutritional immunity imposed by immune cells, and it further causes metabolic dysfunction that compromises the utilization of macronutrients, thereby curbing the metabolic plasticity needed for growth in host environments. Our study offers a new avenue for therapeutic development against drug-resistant C. auris, shows how complex metabolic dysfunction can be caused by a single compound triggering antifungal inhibition, and provides insights into the metabolic needs of C. auris in immune cell environments. IMPORTANCE Over the last decade, Candida auris has emerged as a human pathogen around the world causing life-threatening infections with wide-spread antifungal drug resistance, including pandrug resistance in some cases. In this study, we addressed the mechanism of action of the antiparasitic drug pyrvinium pamoate against C. auris and show how metabolism could be inhibited to curb C. auris proliferation. We show that pyrvinium pamoate triggers sweeping metabolic and mitochondrial changes and disrupts iron homeostasis. PP-induced metabolic dysfunction compromises the utilization of both micro- and macronutrients by C. auris and reduces its growth in vitro and in immune phagocytes. Our findings provide insights into the metabolic requirements for C. auris growth and define the mechanisms of action of pyrvinium pamoate against C. auris, demonstrating how this compound works by inhibiting the metabolic flexibility of the pathogen. As such, our study characterizes credible avenues for new antifungal approaches against C. auris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Simm
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harshini Weerasinghe
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - David R. Thomas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Hayley J. Newton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Traude H. Beilharz
- Development and Stem Cells Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ana Traven
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wen W, Cao H, Huang Y, Tu J, Wan C, Wan J, Han X, Chen H, Liu J, Rao L, Su C, Peng C, Sheng C, Ren Y. Structure-Guided Discovery of the Novel Covalent Allosteric Site and Covalent Inhibitors of Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase to Overcome the Azole Resistance of Candidiasis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2656-2674. [PMID: 35099959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) represents an attractive new antifungal target. Here, we employed a structure-based optimization strategy to discover a novel covalent binding site (C292 site) and the first-in-class covalent allosteric inhibitors of FBA from Candida albicans (CaFBA). Site-directed mutagenesis, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the crystallographic structures of APO-CaFBA, CaFBA-G3P, and C157S-2a4 revealed that S268 is an essential pharmacophore for the catalytic activity of CaFBA, and L288 is an allosteric regulation switch for CaFBA. Furthermore, most of the CaFBA covalent inhibitors exhibited good inhibitory activity against azole-resistant C. albicans, and compound 2a11 can inhibit the growth of azole-resistant strains 103 with the MIC80 of 1 μg/mL. Collectively, this work identifies a new covalent allosteric site of CaFBA and discovers the first generation of covalent inhibitors for fungal FBA with potent inhibitory activity against resistant fungi, establishing a structural foundation and providing a promising strategy for the design of potent antifungal drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuqiang Wen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Hongxuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yunyuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Jie Tu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chen Wan
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Jian Wan
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xinya Han
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Han Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Li Rao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Chen Su
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chao Peng
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Lab, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanliang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6526320. [PMID: 35142862 PMCID: PMC8929677 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multi drug resistant fungal pathogen that has caused infectious outbreaks in over 45 countries since its first isolation over a decade ago, leading to in-hospital crude mortality rates as high as 72%. The fungus is also acclimated to disinfection procedures and persists for weeks in nosocomial ecosystems. Alarmingly, the outbreaks of C. auris infections in Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients have also been reported. The pathogenicity, drug resistance and global spread of C. auris have led to an urgent exploration of novel, candidate antifungal agents for C. auris therapeutics. This narrative review codifies the emerging data on the following new/emerging antifungal compounds and strategies: antimicrobial peptides, combinational therapy, immunotherapy, metals and nano particles, natural compounds, and repurposed drugs. Encouragingly, a vast majority of these exhibit excellent anti- C. auris properties, with promising drugs now in the pipeline in various stages of development. Nevertheless, further research on the modes of action, toxicity, and the dosage of the new formulations are warranted. Studies are needed with representation from all five C. auris clades, so as to produce data of grater relevance, and broader significance and validity.
Collapse
|
29
|
Current scenario of the search for new antifungal agents to treat Candida auris infections: An integrative review. J Mycol Med 2021; 32:101232. [PMID: 34883404 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Candida auris emerges as an important causative agent of fungal infections, with worrisome mortality rates, mainly in immunocompromised individuals. This scenario is worsened by the limited availability of antifungal drugs and the increasing development of resistance to them. Due to the relevance of C. auris infections to public health, several studies aimed to discover new antifungal compounds capable of overcoming this fungus. Nonetheless, these information are decentralized, precluding the understandment of the current status of the search for new anti-C. auris compounds. Thus, this integrative review aimed to summarize information regarding anti-C. auris compounds reported in literature. After using predefined selection criteria, 71 articles were included in this review, and data from a total of 101 substances were extracted. Most of the studies tested synthetic substances, including several azoles. Moreover, drug repurposing emerges as a suitable strategy to discover new anti-C. auris agents. Few studies, however, assessed the mechanism of action and the in vivo antifungal activity of the compounds. Therefore, more studies must be performed to evaluate the usefulness of these substances as anti-C. auris therapies.
Collapse
|
30
|
Garcia-Bustos V, Cabanero-Navalon MD, Ruiz-Saurí A, Ruiz-Gaitán AC, Salavert M, Tormo MÁ, Pemán J. What Do We Know about Candida auris? State of the Art, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Directions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2177. [PMID: 34683498 PMCID: PMC8538163 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has unprecedently emerged as a multidrug resistant fungal pathogen, considered a serious global threat due to its potential to cause nosocomial outbreaks and deep-seated infections with staggering transmissibility and mortality, that has put health authorities and institutions worldwide in check for more than a decade now. Due to its unique features not observed in other yeasts, it has been categorised as an urgent threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other international agencies. Moreover, epidemiological alerts have been released in view of the increase of healthcare-associated C. auris outbreaks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarises the current evidence on C. auris since its first description, from virulence to treatment and outbreak control, and highlights the knowledge gaps and future directions for research efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Garcia-Bustos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marta D. Cabanero-Navalon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Amparo Ruiz-Saurí
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Alba C. Ruiz-Gaitán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Miguel Salavert
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - María Á. Tormo
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Javier Pemán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cordisco E, Petenatti E, Svetaz L, Sortino M. Evaluation of the antifungal photodynamic activity of Thymophylla pentachaeta extracts against Candida albicans and its virulence factors. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 90:153608. [PMID: 34148723 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans is one of the most common causative of opportunistic infections. Treatment of candidiasis is challenging considering the few antifungal drugs available and the increase in resistance. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a recently developed therapeutic option that combines a non-toxic photosensitizer (PS) and light to kill the microbial pathogens. Targeting virulence, defined as the ability of a pathogen to cause overt disease, represents another attractive target for the development of novel antifungal agents. Thymophylla pentachaeta (DC.) Small var. belenidium (DC.) is an endemic plant from Argentina in which the presence of thiophenes, biologically active compounds whose antifungal activity is enhanced by irradiation with Ultraviolet A (UVA), have been already described. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the photodynamic antifungal activity of hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts from T. pentachaeta var. belenidium and their inhibitory effects on C. albicans virulence factors as well as biofilm formation and eradication. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS Antifungal photodynamic activity of Hex, DCM, EtOAc and MeOH extracts from different parts of the plant were assessed with the microbroth dilution, bioautography and the time-kill assays, under light and darkness conditions. The capacities of the most active extracts of inhibiting Candida virulence factors (adherence to epithelial cells, germ tube and pseudomycelium formation and hydrolytic enzyme secretion) were assessed. In addition, the activity against biofilm formation and eradication has been investigated by reaction with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) that quantifies living cells in these structures. RESULTS Hex and DCM extracts from T. pentachaeta roots exhibited high photodynamic antifungal activity against C. albicans [Minimal fungicide concentrations (MFCs)= 7.8 µg/ml] under UVA light irradiation. Chemical analysis of active extracts (Hex and DCM from roots) revealed the presence of photoactive thiophenes. Both extracts generate reactive oxygen species through type I and II mechanisms. These extracts, at sub-inhibitory concentrations, under light conditions decreased the adherence of C. albicans to Buccal Epithelial Cells (BEC), inhibited germ tube formation and reduced esterase production. Finally, they demonstrated activity against preformed biofilms submitted to irradiation (MFCs= 3.91 µg/ml and 15.63 µg/ml for Hex and DCM extracts, respectively). CONCLUSION Taking together, results demonstrated the strong photodynamic effects of T. pentachaeta root extracts under UVA irradiation, making them valuable alternatives to the already established antifungal drugs against C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Cordisco
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Elisa Petenatti
- Herbario, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Chacabuco 917, 5700 San Luis, Argentina
| | - Laura Svetaz
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Maximiliano Sortino
- Área Farmacognosia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina; Centro de Referencia de Micología, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Giacobbe DR, Magnasco L, Sepulcri C, Mikulska M, Koehler P, Cornely OA, Bassetti M. Recent advances and future perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of Candida auris infections. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1205-1220. [PMID: 34176393 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1949285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida auris is responsible for hospital outbreaks worldwide. Some C. auris isolates may show concomitant resistance to azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes, thereby possibly leaving clinicians with few therapeutic options. AREAS COVERED Antifungal agents both in early and in late phases of clinical development showing anti-C. auris activity. EXPERT OPINION The research on antifungal agents active against C. auris has made important steps forward in recent years: (i) the development of drugs with novel mechanisms of action, such as ibrexafungerp and fosmanogepix, could provide a valid option against C. auris strains resistant to one or more older antifungals, including pan-resistant strains; (ii) rezafungin could allow once weekly administration of an active drug in the case of echinocandin-susceptible isolates, providing an effective outpatient treatment, while at the same time relieving selective pressure on novel classes; (iii) the development of oral formulations could allow step-down therapy and/or early discharge, or even to avoid hospitalization in mild or noninvasive diseases; (iv) according to available data, these novel agents show a good safety profile and a low potential for drug-drug interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele R Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Magnasco
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Sepulcri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Philipp Koehler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Černáková L, Roudbary M, Brás S, Tafaj S, Rodrigues CF. Candida auris: A Quick Review on Identification, Current Treatments, and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4470. [PMID: 33922907 PMCID: PMC8123192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a novel and major fungal pathogen that has triggered several outbreaks in the last decade. The few drugs available to treat fungal diseases, the fact that this yeast has a high rate of multidrug resistance and the occurrence of misleading identifications, and the ability of forming biofilms (naturally more resistant to drugs) has made treatments of C. auris infections highly difficult. This review intends to quickly illustrate the main issues in C. auris identification, available treatments and the associated mechanisms of resistance, and the novel and alternative treatment and drugs (natural and synthetic) that have been recently reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Černáková
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
| | - Susana Brás
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO—‘Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira’, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Silva Tafaj
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital “Shefqet Ndroqi”, 1044 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Célia F. Rodrigues
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nogueira CW, Barbosa NV, Rocha JBT. Toxicology and pharmacology of synthetic organoselenium compounds: an update. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:1179-1226. [PMID: 33792762 PMCID: PMC8012418 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Here, we addressed the pharmacology and toxicology of synthetic organoselenium compounds and some naturally occurring organoselenium amino acids. The use of selenium as a tool in organic synthesis and as a pharmacological agent goes back to the middle of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries. The rediscovery of ebselen and its investigation in clinical trials have motivated the search for new organoselenium molecules with pharmacological properties. Although ebselen and diselenides have some overlapping pharmacological properties, their molecular targets are not identical. However, they have similar anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, possibly, via activation of transcription factors, regulating the expression of antioxidant genes. In short, our knowledge about the pharmacological properties of simple organoselenium compounds is still elusive. However, contrary to our early expectations that they could imitate selenoproteins, organoselenium compounds seem to have non-specific modulatory activation of antioxidant pathways and specific inhibitory effects in some thiol-containing proteins. The thiol-oxidizing properties of organoselenium compounds are considered the molecular basis of their chronic toxicity; however, the acute use of organoselenium compounds as inhibitors of specific thiol-containing enzymes can be of therapeutic significance. In summary, the outcomes of the clinical trials of ebselen as a mimetic of lithium or as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 proteases will be important to the field of organoselenium synthesis. The development of computational techniques that could predict rational modifications in the structure of organoselenium compounds to increase their specificity is required to construct a library of thiol-modifying agents with selectivity toward specific target proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina W Nogueira
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica E Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais E Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Nilda V Barbosa
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica E Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais E Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - João B T Rocha
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica E Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais E Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Aghaei Gharehbolagh S, Izadi A, Talebi M, Sadeghi F, Zarrinnia A, Zarei F, Darmiani K, Borman AM, Mahmoudi S. New weapons to fight a new enemy: A systematic review of drug combinations against the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris. Mycoses 2021; 64:1308-1316. [PMID: 33774879 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging and drug-resistant pathogen. Drug combination is a promising approach against such pathogens. This study was conducted to provide an overview of all the studied drug combinations against C. auris. Relevant articles reporting results of any drug/non-drug combinations against C. auris were found by a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (ISI), and in Google Scholar up to 1 October 2020. From 187 articles retrieved in the primary search, 23 met the inclusion criteria. In total, 124 different combinations including antifungal with antifungal (45), antifungal with other antimicrobials (11), antifungal with non-antimicrobials (32), antifungal with natural compounds (25) and between natural compounds (11) have been reported. Complete or partial synergistic effects have been reported for 3 out of 45 (6.67%) combinations of two antifungal agents, 8 out of 11 (72.73%) combinations involving antifungal agents and antimicrobials, 15 out of 32 (46.88%) of combinations between antifungal agents with non-antimicrobials, 16 out of 25 (64%) of combinations involving antifungal agents and natural compounds, and 3 out of 11 (22.27%) of combinations involving multiple natural compounds. Antagonistic interactions have been reported for 1 out of 32 (3.13%) and 8 out of 25 (32%) of combinations between antifungal drugs with non-antimicrobials and with natural compounds, respectively. Different drugs/compounds could potentiate the activity of antifungal drugs using this approach. However, despite the availability of this promising initial data, many more studies will be required to elucidate whether favourable interactions observed in vitro might translate into tangible clinical benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Aghaei Gharehbolagh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Izadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Talebi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrinnia
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Zarei
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Darmiani
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrew M Borman
- Public Health England UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Southmead Hospital Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Billamboz M, Fatima Z, Hameed S, Jawhara S. Promising Drug Candidates and New Strategies for Fighting against the Emerging Superbug Candida auris. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030634. [PMID: 33803604 PMCID: PMC8003017 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections represent an expanding threat to public health. During the past decade, a paradigm shift of candidiasis from Candida albicans to non-albicans Candida species has fundamentally increased with the advent of Candida auris. C. auris was identified in 2009 and is now recognized as an emerging species of concern and underscores the urgent need for novel drug development strategies. In this review, we discuss the genomic epidemiology and the main virulence factors of C. auris. We also focus on the different new strategies and results obtained during the past decade in the field of antifungal design against this emerging C. auris pathogen yeast, based on a medicinal chemist point of view. Critical analyses of chemical features and physicochemical descriptors will be carried out along with the description of reported strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Billamboz
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, Université Lille, U1167—RID-AGE—Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies liées au Vieillissement, F-59000 Lille, France
- Junia, Health and Environment, Laboratory of Sustainable Chemistry and Health, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (S.J.)
| | - Zeeshan Fatima
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram 122413, India; (Z.F.); (S.H.)
| | - Saif Hameed
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurugram 122413, India; (Z.F.); (S.H.)
| | - Samir Jawhara
- UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM U1285, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (S.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Identification of Antifungal Compounds against Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris Utilizing a High-Throughput Drug-Repurposing Screen. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.01305-20. [PMID: 33468482 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01305-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging fatal fungal infection that has resulted in several outbreaks in hospitals and care facilities. Current treatment options are limited by the development of drug resistance. Identification of new pharmaceuticals to combat these drug-resistant infections will thus be required to overcome this unmet medical need. We have established a bioluminescent ATP-based assay to identify new compounds and potential drug combinations showing effective growth inhibition against multiple strains of multidrug-resistant Candida auris The assay is robust and suitable for assessing large compound collections by high-throughput screening (HTS). Utilizing this assay, we conducted a screen of 4,314 approved drugs and pharmacologically active compounds that yielded 25 compounds, including 6 novel anti-Candida auris compounds and 13 sets of potential two-drug combinations. Among the drug combinations, the serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor myriocin demonstrated a combinational effect with flucytosine against all tested isolates during screening. This combinational effect was confirmed in 13 clinical isolates of Candida auris.
Collapse
|
38
|
Scorzoni L, Fuchs BB, Junqueira JC, Mylonakis E. Current and promising pharmacotherapeutic options for candidiasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:867-887. [PMID: 33538201 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1873951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Candida spp. are commensal yeasts capable of causing infections such as superficial, oral, vaginal, or systemic infections. Despite medical advances, the antifungal pharmacopeia remains limited and the development of alternative strategies is needed.Areas covered: We discuss available treatments for Candida spp. infections, highlighting advantages and limitations related to pharmacokinetics, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, we present new perspectives to improve the activity of the available antifungals, discussing their immunomodulatory potential and advances on drug delivery carriers. New therapeutic approaches are presented including recent synthesized antifungal compounds (Enchochleated-Amphotericin B, tetrazoles, rezafungin, enfumafungin, manogepix and arylamidine); drug repurposing using a diversity of antibacterial, antiviral and non-antimicrobial drugs; combination therapies with different compounds or photodynamic therapy; and innovations based on nano-particulate delivery systems.Expert opinion: With the lack of novel drugs, the available assets must be leveraged to their best advantage through modifications that enhance delivery, efficacy, and solubility. However, these efforts are met with continuous challenges presented by microbes in their infinite plight to resist and survive therapeutic drugs. The pharmacotherapeutic options in development need to focus on new antimicrobial targets. The success of each antimicrobial agent brings strategic insights to the next phased approach in treatingCandida spp. infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, SP Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, SP Brazil
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chaves AFA, Xander P, Romera LMD, Fonseca FLA, Batista WL. What is the elephant in the room when considering new therapies for fungal diseases? Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:275-289. [PMID: 33513315 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1876632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The global scenario of antimicrobial resistance is alarming, and the development of new drugs has not appeared to make substantial progress. The constraints on drug discovery are due to difficulties in finding new targets for therapy, the high cost of development, and the mismatch between the time of drug introduction in a clinic and microorganism adaptation to a drug. Policies to address neglected diseases miss the broad spectrum of mycosis. Society is not aware of the actual threat represented by fungi to human health, food security, and biodiversity. The evidence discussed here is critical for warning governments to establish effective surveillance policies for fungi.HIGHLIGHTSFungal diseases are ignored even among neglected disease classifications.There are few options to treat mycoses, which is an increasing concern regarding fungal resistance to drugs, as evidenced by the spread of Candida auris.Fungal diseases represent a real threat to human health and food security.Investment in research to investigate the potential of repurposing drugs already in use could obtain results in the short term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Xander
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wagner Luiz Batista
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Benelli JL, Poester VR, Munhoz LS, Melo AM, Trápaga MR, Stevens DA, Xavier MO. Ebselen and diphenyl diselenide against fungal pathogens: A systematic review. Med Mycol 2021; 59:409-421. [PMID: 33421963 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are one of the most prevalent diseases in the world and there is a lack of new antifungal drug development for these diseases. We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding the in vitro antifungal activity of the organoselenium compounds ebselen (Eb) and diphenyl diselenide [(PhSe)2]. A systematic review was carried out based on the search for articles with data concerning Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values, indexed in international databases and published until August 2020. A total of 2337 articles were found, and, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria used, 22 articles were included in the study. Inhibitory activity against 96% (200/208) and 95% (312/328) of the pathogenic fungi tested was described for Eb and [(PhSe)2], respectively. Including in these 536 fungal isolates tested, organoselenium activity was highlighted against Candida spp., Cryptococcus ssp., Trichosporon spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., and Sporothrix spp., with MIC values lower than 64 μg/mL. In conclusion, Eb and [(PhSe)2] have a broad spectrum of in vitro inhibitory antifungal activity. These data added with other pharmacological properties of these organoselenium compounds suggest that both compounds are potential future antifungal drugs. Whether MICs toward the upper end of the ranges described here are compatible with efficacious therapy, and whether they may achieve such end as a result of the favorable non-antimicrobial effects of selenium on the host, requires more in vivo testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Louise Benelli
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Health Science Post-graduation program, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanice Rodrigues Poester
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Health Science Post-graduation program, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Lívia Silveira Munhoz
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Health Science Post-graduation program, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Aryse Martins Melo
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Microbiology and Parasitology Post-graduation program, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | - David A Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Melissa Orzechowski Xavier
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Health Science Post-graduation program, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.,Microbiology and Parasitology Post-graduation program, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wall G, Chen E, Hull MV, Lopez-Ribot JL. Screening the CALIBR ReFRAME Library in Search for Inhibitors of Candida auris Biofilm Formation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:597931. [PMID: 33324579 PMCID: PMC7723901 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.597931] [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: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging yeast which, since its first isolation about a decade ago, has spread rapidly and triggered major infectious outbreaks in health care facilities around the world. C. auris strains often display resistance to clinically-used antifungal agents, contributing to high mortality rates. Thus, there is an urgent need for new antifungals to contain the spread of this emerging multi-drug resistant pathogen and to improve patient outcomes. However, the timeline for the development of a new antifungal agent typically exceeds 10‑15 years. Thus, repurposing of current drugs could significantly accelerate the development and eventual deployment of novel therapies for the treatment of C. auris infections. Toward this end, in this study we have profiled a library of known drugs encompassing approximately 12,000 clinical-stage or FDA-approved small molecules in search for known molecules with antifungal activity against C. auris; more specifically, those capable of inhibiting C. auris biofilm formation. From this library, 100 compounds displaying antifungal activity were identified in the initial screen, including 26 compounds for which a dose-response relationship with biofilm-inhibitory activity against C. auris could be confirmed. Of these, five were identified as the most interesting potential repositionable candidates. Due to their known pharmacological and human safety profiles, identification of such compounds should allow for their accelerated preclinical and clinical development for the treatment of C. auris infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gina Wall
- Department of Biology and The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Emily Chen
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mitchell V Hull
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jose L Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Biology and The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kim JH, Cheng LW, Chan KL, Tam CC, Mahoney N, Friedman M, Shilman MM, Land KM. Antifungal Drug Repurposing. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110812. [PMID: 33203147 PMCID: PMC7697925 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of fungal pathogens is increasingly problematic due to the limited number of effective drugs available for antifungal therapy. Conventional antifungal drugs could also trigger human cytotoxicity associated with the kidneys and liver, including the generation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, increased incidences of fungal resistance to the classes of azoles, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, or posaconazole, or echinocandins, including caspofungin, anidulafungin, or micafungin, have been documented. Of note, certain azole fungicides such as propiconazole or tebuconazole that are applied to agricultural fields have the same mechanism of antifungal action as clinical azole drugs. Such long-term application of azole fungicides to crop fields provides environmental selection pressure for the emergence of pan-azole-resistant fungal strains such as Aspergillus fumigatus having TR34/L98H mutations, specifically, a 34 bp insertion into the cytochrome P450 51A (CYP51A) gene promoter region and a leucine-to-histidine substitution at codon 98 of CYP51A. Altogether, the emerging resistance of pathogens to currently available antifungal drugs and insufficiency in the discovery of new therapeutics engender the urgent need for the development of new antifungals and/or alternative therapies for effective control of fungal pathogens. We discuss the current needs for the discovery of new clinical antifungal drugs and the recent drug repurposing endeavors as alternative methods for fungal pathogen control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong H. Kim
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-510-559-5841
| | - Luisa W. Cheng
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Kathleen L. Chan
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Christina C. Tam
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Noreen Mahoney
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Mendel Friedman
- Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA;
| | | | - Kirkwood M. Land
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Beattie SR, Krysan DJ. Antifungal drug screening: thinking outside the box to identify novel antifungal scaffolds. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 57:1-6. [PMID: 32339892 PMCID: PMC7652037 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are responsible for a significant disease burden worldwide. Drugs to treat these infections are limited to only four unique classes, and despite these available treatments, mortality rates remain unacceptably high. In this review, we will discuss antifungal drug screening and how the approach to identifying novel compounds needs move away from traditional growth-based assays in order to meet the demand for new drugs. We highlight specific examples of creative screening strategies that increase the likelihood of identifying compounds with desired activities and provide perspective to inspire development of novel screens for the identification of first-in-class antifungals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Beattie
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Damian J Krysan
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Echinocandins as Biotechnological Tools for Treating Candida auris Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030185. [PMID: 32971857 PMCID: PMC7558506 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030185] [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: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has been reported in the past few years as an invasive fungal pathogen of high interest. Its recent emergence in healthcare-associated infections triggered the efforts of researchers worldwide, seeking additional alternatives to the use of traditional antifungals such as azoles. Lipopeptides, specially the echinocandins, have been reported as an effective approach to control pathogenic fungi. However, despite its efficiency against C. auris, some isolates presented echinocandin resistance. Thus, therapies focused on echinocandins’ synergism with other antifungal drugs were widely explored, representing a novel possibility for the treatment of C. auris infections.
Collapse
|
45
|
de Moraes DC, Cardoso KM, Domingos LTS, do Carmo Freire Ribeiro Pinto M, Monteiro RQ, Ferreira-Pereira A. β-Lapachone enhances the antifungal activity of fluconazole against a Pdr5p-mediated resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:1051-1060. [PMID: 32157667 PMCID: PMC7455662 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00254-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of lapachones in disrupting the fungal multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype, using a model of study which an azole-resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant strain that overexpresses the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter Pdr5p. METHODS The evaluation of the antifungal activity of lapachones and their possible synergism with fluconazole against the mutant S. cerevisiae strain was performed through broth microdilution and spot assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and efflux pump activity were assessed by fluorometry. ATPase activity was evaluated by the Fiske and Subbarow method. The effect of β-lapachone on PDR5 mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR. The release of hemoglobin was measured to evaluate the hemolytic activity of β-lapachone. RESULTS α-nor-Lapachone and β-lapachone inhibited S. cerevisiae growth at 100 μg/ml. Only β-lapachone enhanced the antifungal activity of fluconazole, and this combined action was inhibited by ascorbic acid. β-Lapachone induced the production of ROS, inhibited Pdr5p-mediated efflux, and impaired Pdr5p ATPase activity. Also, β-lapachone neither affected the expression of PDR5 nor exerted hemolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS Data obtained indicate that β-lapachone is able to inhibit the S. cerevisiae efflux pump Pdr5p. Since this transporter is homologous to fungal ABC transporters, further studies employing clinical isolates that overexpress these proteins will be conducted to evaluate the effect of β-lapachone on pathogenic fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Clemente de Moraes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Karina Martins Cardoso
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Levy Tenório Sousa Domingos
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Freire Ribeiro Pinto
- Laboratório de Química Heterocíclica, Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Robson Q Monteiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Antônio Ferreira-Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-590, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Screening Repurposing Libraries for Identification of Drugs with Novel Antifungal Activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00924-20. [PMID: 32660991 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00924-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal organisms are ubiquitous in nature, and progress of modern medicine is creating an expanding number of severely compromised patients susceptible to a variety of opportunistic fungal infections. These infections are difficult to diagnose and treat, leading to high mortality rates. The limited antifungal arsenal, the toxicity of current antifungal drugs, the development of resistance, and the emergence of new multidrug-resistant fungi, all highlight the urgent need for new antifungal agents. Unfortunately, the development of a novel antifungal is a rather long and expensive proposition, and no new classes of antifungal agents have reached the market in the last 2 decades. Drug repurposing, or finding new indications for old drugs, represents a promising alternative pathway to drug development that is particularly appealing within the academic environment. In the last few years, there has been a growing interest in repurposing approaches in the antifungal arena, with multiple groups of investigators having performed screenings of different repurposing libraries against different pathogenic fungi in search for drugs with previously unrecognized antifungal effects. Overall, these repurposing efforts may lead to the fast deployment of drugs with novel antifungal activity, which can rapidly bring benefits to patients, while at the same time reducing health care costs.
Collapse
|
47
|
Current Antimycotics, New Prospects, and Future Approaches to Antifungal Therapy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080445. [PMID: 32722455 PMCID: PMC7460292 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent an increasing threat to a growing number of immune- and medically compromised patients. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms and, as such, there is a limited number of selective targets that can be exploited for antifungal drug development. This has also resulted in a very restricted number of antifungal drugs that are clinically available for the treatment of invasive fungal infections at the present time—polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and flucytosine. Moreover, the utility of available antifungals is limited by toxicity, drug interactions and the emergence of resistance, which contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates. This review will present a brief summary on the landscape of current antifungals and those at different stages of clinical development. We will also briefly touch upon potential new targets and opportunities for novel antifungal strategies to combat the threat of fungal infections.
Collapse
|
48
|
Arias LS, Butcher MC, Short B, McKloud E, Delaney C, Kean R, Monteiro DR, Williams C, Ramage G, Brown JL. Chitosan Ameliorates Candida auris Virulence in a Galleria mellonella Infection Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e00476-20. [PMID: 32482674 PMCID: PMC7526850 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00476-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen over the last decade. Outbreaks of the organism in health care facilities have resulted in life-threatening invasive candidiasis in over 40 countries worldwide. Resistance by C. auris to conventional antifungal drugs such as fluconazole and amphotericin B means that alternative therapeutics must be explored. As such, this study served to investigate the efficacy of a naturally derived polysaccharide called chitosan against aggregative (Agg) and nonaggregative (non-Agg) isolates of C. aurisin vitro and in vivo. In vitro results indicated that chitosan was effective against planktonic and sessile forms of Agg and non-Agg C. auris In a Galleria mellonella model to assess C. auris virulence, chitosan treatment was shown to ameliorate killing effects of both C. auris phenotypes (NCPF 8973 and NCPF 8978, respectively) in vivo Specifically, chitosan reduced the fungal load and increased survival rates of infected Galleria, while treatment alone was nontoxic to the larvae. Finally, chitosan treatment appeared to induce a stress-like gene expression response in NCPF 8973 in the larvae likely arising from a protective response by the organism to resist antifungal activity of the compound. Taken together, results from this study demonstrate that naturally derived compounds such as chitosan may be useful alternatives to conventional antifungals against C. auris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laís Salomão Arias
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mark C Butcher
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Bryn Short
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily McKloud
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Delaney
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Kean
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas Roberto Monteiro
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Prudente/São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Craig Williams
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jason L Brown
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Fenbendazole Controls In Vitro Growth, Virulence Potential, and Animal Infection in the Cryptococcus Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00286-20. [PMID: 32253211 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00286-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The human diseases caused by the fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are associated with high indices of mortality and toxic and/or cost-prohibitive therapeutic protocols. The need for affordable antifungals to combat cryptococcal disease is unquestionable. Previous studies suggested benzimidazoles as promising anticryptococcal agents combining low cost and high antifungal efficacy, but their therapeutic potential has not been demonstrated so far. In this study, we investigated the antifungal potential of fenbendazole, the most effective anticryptococcal benzimidazole. Fenbendazole was inhibitory against 17 different isolates of C. neoformans and C. gattii at a low concentration. The mechanism of anticryptococcal activity of fenbendazole involved microtubule disorganization, as previously described for human parasites. In combination with fenbendazole, the concentrations of the standard antifungal amphotericin B required to control cryptococcal growth were lower than those required when this antifungal was used alone. Fenbendazole was not toxic to mammalian cells. During macrophage infection, the anticryptococcal effects of fenbendazole included inhibition of intracellular proliferation rates and reduced phagocytic escape through vomocytosis. Fenbendazole deeply affected the cryptococcal capsule. In a mouse model of cryptococcosis, the efficacy of fenbendazole to control animal mortality was similar to that observed for amphotericin B. These results indicate that fenbendazole is a promising candidate for the future development of an efficient and affordable therapeutic tool to combat cryptococcosis.
Collapse
|
50
|
de Oliveira HC, Joffe LS, Simon KS, Castelli RF, Reis FCG, Bryan AM, Borges BS, Medeiros LCS, Bocca AL, Del Poeta M, Rodrigues ML. Fenbendazole Controls In Vitro Growth, Virulence Potential, and Animal Infection in the Cryptococcus Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e00286-20. [PMID: 32253211 PMCID: PMC7269510 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00286-20 10.1128/aac.00286-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The human diseases caused by the fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are associated with high indices of mortality and toxic and/or cost-prohibitive therapeutic protocols. The need for affordable antifungals to combat cryptococcal disease is unquestionable. Previous studies suggested benzimidazoles as promising anticryptococcal agents combining low cost and high antifungal efficacy, but their therapeutic potential has not been demonstrated so far. In this study, we investigated the antifungal potential of fenbendazole, the most effective anticryptococcal benzimidazole. Fenbendazole was inhibitory against 17 different isolates of C. neoformans and C. gattii at a low concentration. The mechanism of anticryptococcal activity of fenbendazole involved microtubule disorganization, as previously described for human parasites. In combination with fenbendazole, the concentrations of the standard antifungal amphotericin B required to control cryptococcal growth were lower than those required when this antifungal was used alone. Fenbendazole was not toxic to mammalian cells. During macrophage infection, the anticryptococcal effects of fenbendazole included inhibition of intracellular proliferation rates and reduced phagocytic escape through vomocytosis. Fenbendazole deeply affected the cryptococcal capsule. In a mouse model of cryptococcosis, the efficacy of fenbendazole to control animal mortality was similar to that observed for amphotericin B. These results indicate that fenbendazole is a promising candidate for the future development of an efficient and affordable therapeutic tool to combat cryptococcosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luna S Joffe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Karina S Simon
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Rafael F Castelli
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Flavia C G Reis
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Brazil
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Arielle M Bryan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Beatriz S Borges
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Anamelia L Bocca
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Marcio L Rodrigues
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Brazil
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|