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Ganeshkumar A, Muthuselvam M, de Lima PMN, Rajaram R, Junqueira JC. Current Perspectives of Antifungal Therapy: A Special Focus on Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:408. [PMID: 38921394 PMCID: PMC11205254 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060408] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging Candida sp. that has rapidly spread all over the world. The evidence regarding its origin and emerging resistance is still unclear. The severe infection caused by this species results in significant mortality and morbidity among the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The development of drug resistance is the major factor associated with the therapeutic failure of existing antifungal agents. Previous studies have addressed the antifungal resistance profile and drug discovery for C. auris. However, complete coverage of this information in a single investigation is not yet available. In this review, we have mainly focused on recent developments in therapeutic strategies against C. auris. Based on the available information, several different approaches were discussed, including existing antifungal drugs, chemical compounds, essential oils, natural products, antifungal peptides, immunotherapy, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, drug repurposing, and drug delivery systems. Among them, synthetic chemicals, natural products, and antifungal peptides are the prime contributors. However, a limited number of resources are available to prove the efficiency of these potential therapies in clinical usage. Therefore, we anticipate that the findings gathered in this review will encourage further in vivo studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Ganeshkumar
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil;
- Department of Materials Physics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMTS), Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manickam Muthuselvam
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Patricia Michelle Nagai de Lima
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rajendren Rajaram
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12245-000, SP, Brazil;
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Bellavita R, Falanga A, Merlino F, D'Auria G, Molfetta N, Saviano A, Maione F, Galdiero U, Catania MR, Galdiero S, Grieco P, Roscetto E, Falcigno L, Buommino E. Unveiling the mechanism of action of acylated temporin L analogues against multidrug-resistant Candida albicans. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:36-50. [PMID: 36305289 PMCID: PMC9621209 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2134359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing resistance of fungi to conventional antifungal drugs has prompted worldwide the search for new compounds. In this work, we investigated the antifungal properties of acylated Temporin L derivatives, Pent-1B and Dec-1B, against Candida albicans, including the multidrug-resistant strains. Acylated peptides resulted to be active both on reference and clinical strains with MIC values ranging from 6.5 to 26 µM, and they did not show cytotoxicity on human keratinocytes. In addition, we also observed a synergistic or additive effect with voriconazole for peptides Dec-1B and Pent-1B through the checkerboard assay on voriconazole-resistant Candida strains. Moreover, fluorescence-based assays, NMR spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy elucidated a potential membrane-active mechanism, consisting of an initial electrostatic interaction of acylated peptides with fungal membrane, followed by aggregation and insertion into the lipid bilayer and causing membrane perturbation probably through a carpeting effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Auria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Molfetta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anella Saviano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Galdiero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Catania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Roscetto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Falcigno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Selvaraj SP, Chen JY. Conjugation of antimicrobial peptides to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115680. [PMID: 37515922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
The growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has brought with it a continual increase in the numbers of deaths from multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Since the current arsenal of antibiotics has become increasingly ineffective, there exists an urgent need for discovery and development of novel antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be a promising class of molecules due to their broad-spectrum activities and low resistance rates compared with other types of antibiotics. Since AMPs also often play major roles in elevating the host immune response, the molecules may also be called "host defense peptides." Despite the great promise of AMPs, the majority remain unsuitable for clinical use due to issues of structural instability, degradation by proteases, and/or toxicity to host cells. Moreover, AMP activities in vivo can be influenced by many factors, such as interaction with blood and serum biomolecules, physiological salt concentrations or different pH values. To overcome these limitations, structural modifications can be made to the AMP. Among several modifications, physical and chemical conjugation of AMP to other biomolecules is widely considered an effective strategy. In this review, we discuss structural modification strategies related to conjugation of AMPs and their possible effects on mode of action. The conjugation of fatty acids, glycans, antibiotics, photosensitizers, polymers, nucleic acids, nanoparticles, and immobilization to biomaterials are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Prasad Selvaraj
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Science Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10 Dahuen Rd, Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan; The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center and the Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
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de Souza PC, Corrêa AEDN, Gameiro JG, de Oliveira Júnior AG, Panagio LA, Venancio EJ, Almeida RS. Production of IgY against iron permease Ftr1 from Candida albicans and evaluation of its antifungal activity using Galleria mellonella as a model of systemic infection. Microb Pathog 2023:106166. [PMID: 37290729 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106166] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is one of the leading pathological agents of mucosal and deep tissue infections. Considering that the variety of antifungals is restricted and that toxicity limits their use, immunotherapies against pathogenic fungi have been viewed as alternatives with reduced adverse effects. In this context, C. albicans has a protein used to capture iron from the environment and the host, known as the high-affinity iron permease Ftr1. This protein may be a new target of action for novel antifungal therapies, as it influences the virulence of this yeast. Thus, the aim of the present study was to produce and conduct the biological characterization of IgY antibodies against C. albicans Ftr1. Immunization of laying hens with an Ftr1-derived peptide resulted in IgY antibodies extracted from egg yolks capable of binding to the antigen with high affinity (avidity index = 66.6 ± 0.3%). These antibodies reduced the growth and even eliminated C. albicans under iron restriction, a favorable condition for the expression of Ftr1. This also occurred with a mutant strain that does not produce Ftr1 in the presence of iron, a circumstance in which the protein analog of iron permease, Ftr2, is expressed. Furthermore, the survival of G. mellonella larvae infected with C. albicans and treated with the antibodies was 90% higher than the control group, which did not receive treatment (p < 0.0001). Therefore, our data suggest that IgY antibodies against Ftr1 from C. albicans can inhibit yeast propagation by blocking iron uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Canteri de Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Science, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445, Km 380, Londrina, 86.057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Alana Elke do Nascimento Corrêa
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Science, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445, Km 380, Londrina, 86.057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Juliana Gutschow Gameiro
- Department of Pathology, Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Center of Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445, Km 380, Londrina, 86.057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Admilton Gonçalves de Oliveira Júnior
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Science, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445, Km 380, Londrina, 86.057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luciano Aparecido Panagio
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Science, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445, Km 380, Londrina, 86.057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Emerson José Venancio
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Science, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445, Km 380, Londrina, 86.057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Sergio Almeida
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Biological Science, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445, Km 380, Londrina, 86.057-970, Paraná, Brazil.
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Gao F, Zhao X, Si Q, Niu X, Hou S, Liu S, Guo J, Wang L, Zhang F. Gemini surfactant-like peptide-based nanocages with β-sheet-enhanced stability and encapsulation efficiency of hydrophobic anticancer drugs. RSC Adv 2023; 13:12863-12868. [PMID: 37114030 PMCID: PMC10126818 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01950k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based scaffolds have been widely applied to drug delivery because of their ease and high yields of synthesis, well-defined structure, biocompatibility, diversity, tunability of properties, and molecular recognition abilities. However, the stability of peptide-based nanostructures highly depends on the intermolecular assembling manner, e.g., α-helix based coiled coils, β-sheet. Inspired by the robust protein fibril structures in amyloidosis, herein we constructed a β-sheet-forming gemini surfactant-like peptide to self-assemble into nanocages with the help of molecular dynamics simulation. As expected, the experimental results showed that nanocages can be formed with the inner diameter of up to ∼400 nm, which were robust enough even under both transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, indicating the significant contribution of β-sheet conformation. The β-nanocages can load hydrophobic anticancer drugs, e.g., paclitaxel with a very high encapsulation efficiency, which holds great potential for clinic drug delivery due to the improved anticancer effect as compared with paclitaxel alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University Hohhot 010010 China
| | - Xinmin Zhao
- Quantum Biophotonic Lab, Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Shanghai 200093 China
| | - Qiankang Si
- Quantum Biophotonic Lab, Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Shanghai 200093 China
| | - Xingkun Niu
- Quantum Biophotonic Lab, Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Shanghai 200093 China
| | - Shaojie Hou
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou 325001 China
| | - Shihao Liu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou 325001 China
| | - Jun Guo
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou 325001 China
| | - Liping Wang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou 325001 China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University Hohhot 010010 China
- Quantum Biophotonic Lab, Key Laboratory of Optical Technology and Instrument for Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Shanghai 200093 China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou 325001 China
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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.
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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
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Lycosin-II Exhibits Antifungal Activity and Inhibits Dual-Species Biofilm by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8090901. [PMID: 36135626 PMCID: PMC9504746 DOI: 10.3390/jof8090901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance is a global public health issue. To address this, new antimicrobial agents have been developed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial activities against pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Lycosin-II, isolated from the venom of the spider Lycosa singoriensis, has shown antibacterial activity by disrupting membranes. However, the mode of action of Lycosin-II and its antifungal activity have not been clearly described. Therefore, we confirmed that Lycosin-II showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans). To investigate the mode of action, membrane-related assays were performed, including an evaluation of C. albicans membrane depolarization and membrane integrity after exposure to Lycosin-II. Our results indicated that Lycosin-II damaged the C. albicans membrane. Additionally, Lycosin-II induced oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. albicans. Moreover, Lycosin-II exhibited an inhibitory effect on dual-species biofilm formation by C. albicans and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which are the most co-isolated fungi and bacteria. These results revealed that Lycosin-II can be utilized against C. albicans and dual-species strain infections.
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Domán M, Bányai K. COVID-19-Associated Fungal Infections: An Urgent Need for Alternative Therapeutic Approach? Front Microbiol 2022; 13:919501. [PMID: 35756020 PMCID: PMC9218862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.919501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary fungal infections may complicate the clinical course of patients affected by viral respiratory diseases, especially those admitted to intensive care unit. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients are at increased risk of fungal co-infections exacerbating the prognosis of disease due to misdiagnosis that often result in treatment failure and high mortality rate. COVID-19-associated fungal infections caused by predominantly Aspergillus and Candida species, and fungi of the order Mucorales have been reported from several countries to become significant challenge for healthcare system. Early diagnosis and adequate antifungal therapy is essential to improve clinical outcomes, however, drug resistance shows a rising trend highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic agents. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on COVID-19-associated mycoses, treatment strategies and the most recent advancements in antifungal drug development focusing on peptides with antifungal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Domán
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Bányai
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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