1
|
Hoenigl M, Arastehfar A, Arendrup MC, Brüggemann R, Carvalho A, Chiller T, Chen S, Egger M, Feys S, Gangneux JP, Gold JAW, Groll AH, Heylen J, Jenks JD, Krause R, Lagrou K, Lamoth F, Prattes J, Sedik S, Wauters J, Wiederhold NP, Thompson GR. Novel antifungals and treatment approaches to tackle resistance and improve outcomes of invasive fungal disease. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0007423. [PMID: 38602408 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00074-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYFungal infections are on the rise, driven by a growing population at risk and climate change. Currently available antifungals include only five classes, and their utility and efficacy in antifungal treatment are limited by one or more of innate or acquired resistance in some fungi, poor penetration into "sequestered" sites, and agent-specific side effect which require frequent patient reassessment and monitoring. Agents with novel mechanisms, favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles including good oral bioavailability, and fungicidal mechanism(s) are urgently needed. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of novel antifungal agents, with both improved known mechanisms of actions and new antifungal classes, currently in clinical development for treating invasive yeast, mold (filamentous fungi), Pneumocystis jirovecii infections, and dimorphic fungi (endemic mycoses). We further focus on inhaled antifungals and the role of immunotherapy in tackling fungal infections, and the specific PK/pharmacodynamic profiles, tissue distributions as well as drug-drug interactions of novel antifungals. Finally, we review antifungal resistance mechanisms, the role of use of antifungal pesticides in agriculture as drivers of drug resistance, and detail detection methods for antifungal resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hoenigl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BiotechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Amir Arastehfar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roger Brüggemann
- Department of Pharmacy and Radboudumc Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise in Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sharon Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthias Egger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Feys
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- Centre National de Référence des Mycoses et Antifongiques LA-AspC Aspergilloses chroniques, European Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM EC), Centre hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Jeremy A W Gold
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andreas H Groll
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Disease Research Program, Center for Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Children's Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jannes Heylen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeffrey D Jenks
- Department of Public Health, Durham County, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Krause
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BiotechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Lamoth
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Juergen Prattes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BiotechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah Sedik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Joost Wauters
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathan P Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases University of California-Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Egwu CO, Aloke C, Onwe KT, Umoke CI, Nwafor J, Eyo RA, Chukwu JA, Ufebe GO, Ladokun J, Audu DT, Agwu AO, Obasi DC, Okoro CO. Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery: Strengths and Opportunities in Medicine. Molecules 2024; 29:2584. [PMID: 38893460 PMCID: PMC11173789 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112584] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a myriad of diseases that plague the world ranging from infectious, cancer and other chronic diseases with varying interventions. However, the dynamism of causative agents of infectious diseases and incessant mutations accompanying other forms of chronic diseases like cancer, have worsened the treatment outcomes. These factors often lead to treatment failure via different drug resistance mechanisms. More so, the cost of developing newer drugs is huge. This underscores the need for a paradigm shift in the drug delivery approach in order to achieve desired treatment outcomes. There is intensified research in nanomedicine, which has shown promises in improving the therapeutic outcome of drugs at preclinical stages with increased efficacy and reduced toxicity. Regardless of the huge benefits of nanotechnology in drug delivery, challenges such as regulatory approval, scalability, cost implication and potential toxicity must be addressed via streamlining of regulatory hurdles and increased research funding. In conclusion, the idea of nanotechnology in drug delivery holds immense promise for optimizing therapeutic outcomes. This work presents opportunities to revolutionize treatment strategies, providing expert opinions on translating the huge amount of research in nanomedicine into clinical benefits for patients with resistant infections and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu O. Egwu
- Medical Research Council, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 220, The Gambia
- Medical Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria; (C.A.); (R.A.E.); (G.O.U.); (A.O.A.)
| | - Chinyere Aloke
- Medical Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria; (C.A.); (R.A.E.); (G.O.U.); (A.O.A.)
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Kenneth T. Onwe
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria; (K.T.O.); (C.I.U.); (J.N.)
| | - Chukwunalu Igbudu Umoke
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria; (K.T.O.); (C.I.U.); (J.N.)
| | - Joseph Nwafor
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria; (K.T.O.); (C.I.U.); (J.N.)
| | - Robert A. Eyo
- Medical Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria; (C.A.); (R.A.E.); (G.O.U.); (A.O.A.)
| | - Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu
- World Health Organization, United Nations House Plot 617/618 Central Area District, P.M.B. 2861, Abuja 900211, Nigeria;
| | - Godswill O. Ufebe
- Medical Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria; (C.A.); (R.A.E.); (G.O.U.); (A.O.A.)
| | - Jennifer Ladokun
- Society for Family Health, 20 Omotayo Ojo Street, Allen, Ikeja 100246, Nigeria;
| | - David Tersoo Audu
- UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, 2 Rahamaniyya Street, Off Sama Road, Sokoto 840224, Nigeria;
| | - Anthony O. Agwu
- Medical Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria; (C.A.); (R.A.E.); (G.O.U.); (A.O.A.)
| | - David Chukwu Obasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu 491105, Nigeria; (D.C.O.); (C.O.O.)
| | - Chukwuemeka O. Okoro
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu 491105, Nigeria; (D.C.O.); (C.O.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hibbert T, Krpetic Z, Latimer J, Leighton H, McHugh R, Pottenger S, Wragg C, James CE. Antimicrobials: An update on new strategies to diversify treatment for bacterial infections. Adv Microb Physiol 2024; 84:135-241. [PMID: 38821632 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Ninety-five years after Fleming's discovery of penicillin, a bounty of antibiotic compounds have been discovered, modified, or synthesised. Diversification of target sites, improved stability and altered activity spectra have enabled continued antibiotic efficacy, but overwhelming reliance and misuse has fuelled the global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). An estimated 1.27 million deaths were attributable to antibiotic resistant bacteria in 2019, representing a major threat to modern medicine. Although antibiotics remain at the heart of strategies for treatment and control of bacterial diseases, the threat of AMR has reached catastrophic proportions urgently calling for fresh innovation. The last decade has been peppered with ground-breaking developments in genome sequencing, high throughput screening technologies and machine learning. These advances have opened new doors for bioprospecting for novel antimicrobials. They have also enabled more thorough exploration of complex and polymicrobial infections and interactions with the healthy microbiome. Using models of infection that more closely resemble the infection state in vivo, we are now beginning to measure the impacts of antimicrobial therapy on host/microbiota/pathogen interactions. However new approaches are needed for developing and standardising appropriate methods to measure efficacy of novel antimicrobial combinations in these contexts. A battery of promising new antimicrobials is now in various stages of development including co-administered inhibitors, phages, nanoparticles, immunotherapy, anti-biofilm and anti-virulence agents. These novel therapeutics need multidisciplinary collaboration and new ways of thinking to bring them into large scale clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tegan Hibbert
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Zeljka Krpetic
- School of Science, Engineering, and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Joe Latimer
- School of Science, Engineering, and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Hollie Leighton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca McHugh
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sian Pottenger
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charlotte Wragg
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chloë E James
- School of Science, Engineering, and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Srivastava V, Godara P, Jena SP, Naik B, Singh S, Prajapati VK, Prusty D. Peptide-ligand conjugate based immunotherapeutic approach for targeted dismissal of non-structural protein 1 of dengue virus: A novel therapeutic solution for mild and severe dengue infections. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129562. [PMID: 38246445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129562] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Dengue virus infection has significantly increased, with reported cases soaring from 505,430 in 2000 to 2,809,818 in 2022, emphasizing the need for effective treatments. Among the eleven structural and non-structural proteins of DENV, Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) has emerged as a promising target due to its diverse role in modulating the immune response, inducing vascular leakage, and facilitating viral replication and assembly. Monoclonal antibodies are the sole therapeutics to target NS1, but concerns about their cross-reactivity persist. Given these concerns, our study focuses on designing a novel Peptide Ligand Conjugate (PLC) as a potential alternative immunotherapeutic agent against NS1. This PLC aims to mediate the immune elimination of soluble NS1 and NS1-presenting DENV-infected host cells by pre-existing vaccine-induced immunity. By employing the High Throughput Virtual Screening (HTVS) method, QikProp analysis, and Molecular Dynamics studies, we identified three hits from Asinex Biodesigned Ligands out of 220,177 compounds that show strong binding affinity towards the monoclonal binding site of NS1 protein. After a rigorous analysis of physicochemical characteristics, antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity using various servers, we selected two peptides: the minimum epitopic region of the Diphtheria and Tetanus toxins as the peptide components of the PLCs. A non-cleavable, non-reactive oxime linker connected the ligand with the peptide through oxime and amide bonds. DPT vaccine is widely used in dengue-endemic countries, and it has been reported that antibodies titer against MER of Diphtheria toxin and Tetanus toxins persist lifelong in DPT-vaccinated people. Therefore, once the rationally designed PLCs bind to NS1 through the ligands, the peptide will induce an immune response against NS1 by triggering pre-existing DPT antibodies and activating memory cells. This orchestrated immune response will destroy soluble NS1 and NS1-expressing DENV-infected cells, thereby reducing the illness of severe dengue hemorrhagic fever and the DENV infection, respectively. Given the increasing demand for new therapeutics for DENV treatment, further investigation into this novel immune-therapeutic strategy may offer a new avenue for treating mild and severe dengue infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varshita Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Priya Godara
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Sudip Prasad Jena
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Biswajit Naik
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Satyendra Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Dhaneswar Prusty
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Feng Z, Lu H, Jiang Y. Promising immunotherapeutic targets for treating candidiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1339501. [PMID: 38404288 PMCID: PMC10884116 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1339501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last twenty years, there has been a significant increase in invasive fungal infections, which has corresponded with the expanding population of individuals with compromised immune systems. As a result, the mortality rate linked to these infections remains unacceptably high. The currently available antifungal drugs, such as azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins, face limitations in terms of their diversity, the escalating resistance of fungi and the occurrence of significant adverse effects. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new antifungal medications. Vaccines and antibodies present a promising avenue for addressing fungal infections due to their targeted antifungal properties and ability to modulate the immune response. This review investigates the structure and function of cell wall proteins, secreted proteins, and functional proteins within C. albicans. Furthermore, it seeks to analyze the current advancements and challenges in macromolecular drugs to identify new targets for the effective management of candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rekadwad BN, Pramod N, Rao MPN, Hashem A, Avila-Quezada GD, Abd_Allah EF. Identification and specificity validation of unique and antimicrobial resistance genes to trace suspected pathogenic AMR bacteria and to monitor the development of AMR in non-AMR strains in the environment and clinical settings. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103869. [PMID: 38058762 PMCID: PMC10696110 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global issue. The detection of developing antimicrobial resistance has become a global issue. The growing number of AMR bacteria poses a new threat to public health. Therefore, a less laborious and quick confirmatory test becomes important for further investigations into developing AMR in the environment and in clinical settings. This study aims to present a comprehensive analysis and validation of unique and antimicrobial-resistant strains from the WHO priority list of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and previously reported AMR strains such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Aeromonas spp., Anaeromonas frigoriresistens, Anaeromonas gelatinfytica, Bacillus spp., Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumonia subsp. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, Thermanaeromonas toyohensis, and Vibrio proteolyticus. Using in-house designed gene-specific primers, 18 different antibiotic resistance genes (algJ, alpB, AQU-1, CEPH-A3, ciaB, CMY-1-MOX-7, CMY-1-MOX-9, CMY-1/MOX, cphA2, cphA5, cphA7, ebpA, ECP_4655, fliC, OXA-51, RfbU, ThiU2, and tolB) from 46 strains were selected and validated. Hence, this study provides insight into the identification of strain-specific, unique antimicrobial resistance genes. Targeted amplification and verification using selected unique marker genes have been reported. Thus, the present detection and validation use a robust method for the entire experiment. Results also highlight the presence of another set of 18 antibiotic-resistant and unique genes (Aqu1, cphA2, cphA3, cphA5, cphA7, cmy1/mox7, cmy1/mox9, asaI, ascV, asoB, oxa-12, acr-2, pepA, uo65, pliI, dr0274, tapY2, and cpeT). Of these sets of genes, 15 were found to be suitable for the detection of pathogenic strains belonging to the genera Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Helicobacter, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Salmonella, Haemophilus, and Bacillus. Thus, we have detected and verified sets of unique and antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria on the WHO Priority List and from published reports on AMR bacteria. This study offers advantages for confirming antimicrobial resistance in all suspected AMR bacteria and monitoring the development of AMR in non-AMR bacteria, in the environment, and in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhagwan Narayan Rekadwad
- Microbe AI Lab, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, Karnataka, India
| | - Nanditha Pramod
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, India
| | - Manik Prabhu Narsing Rao
- Instituto de Ciencias Químicas Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Sede Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Abeer Hashem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box. 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah
- Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box. 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Freitas CG, Felipe MS. Candida albicans and Antifungal Peptides. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:2631-2648. [PMID: 37940816 PMCID: PMC10746669 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen, plays a pivotal role in human health and disease. As a commensal organism, it normally resides harmlessly within the human microbiota. However, under certain conditions, C. albicans can transition into a pathogenic state, leading to various infections collectively known as candidiasis. With the increasing prevalence of immunocompromised individuals and the widespread use of invasive medical procedures, candidiasis has become a significant public health concern. The emergence of drug-resistant strains further complicates treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Antifungal peptides (AFPs) have gained considerable attention as potential candidates for combating Candida spp. infections. These naturally occurring peptides possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including specific efficacy against C. albicans. AFPs exhibit several advantageous properties, such as rapid killing kinetics, low propensity for resistance development, and diverse mechanisms of action, making them promising alternatives to conventional antifungal agents. In recent years, extensive research has focused on discovering and developing novel AFPs with improved efficacy and selectivity against Candida species. Advances in biotechnology and synthetic peptide design have enabled the modification and optimization of natural peptides, enhancing their stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, several challenges must be addressed before AFPs can be widely implemented in clinical practice. These include optimizing peptide stability, enhancing delivery methods, overcoming potential toxicity concerns, and conducting comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies. This commentary presents a short overview of candidemia and AFP; articles and reviews published in the last 10 years were searched on The National Library of Medicine (National Center for Biotechnology Information-NIH-PubMed). The terms used were C. albicans infections, antimicrobial peptides, antifungal peptides, antifungal peptides mechanisms of action, candidemia treatments and guidelines, synthetic peptides and their challenges, and antimicrobial peptides in clinical trials as the main ones. Older publications were cited if they brought some relevant concept or helped to bring a perspective into our narrative. Articles older than 20 years and those that appeared in PubMed but did not match our goal to bring updated information about using antifungal peptides as an alternative to C. albicans infections were not considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila G Freitas
- Higher Education Course in Food Technology, Instituto Federal de Brasília (IFB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria Sueli Felipe
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- Universidade de Brasília (UNB), Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|