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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:48
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Targeting virulence: a new paradigm for antifungals
Katharina Gauwerky1, Claudia Borelli, Hans C Korting
1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Frauenlobstrasse 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
Drug Discovery Today
|January 21, 2009
Summary
Novel antifungal drugs are crucial due to evolving fungal resistance and rising infections in immunocompromised patients. Targeting fungal virulence factors, like inhibitors of Candida albicans aspartic proteinase, offers promising therapeutic options.
Area of Science:
- Mycology and Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery and Development
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of drug-resistant fungal infections.
- Growing population of immunocompromised patients susceptible to severe fungal diseases.
- Emerging need for novel antifungal therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the urgent need for new antifungal agents.
- To discuss the potential of targeting fungal virulence factors.
- To identify specific targets for novel antifungal drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review and characterization of fungal virulence factors.
- Identification of potential inhibitors for these factors.
- Focus on secreted aspartic proteinase of Candida albicans as a key target.
Main Results:
- Discovery and characterization of fungal virulence factors and their inhibitors.
- Identification of secreted aspartic proteinase inhibitors as a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Potential for new antifungal drug options based on virulence factor targeting.
Conclusions:
- Targeting fungal virulence factors offers a viable strategy for developing novel antifungals.
- Inhibitors of Candida albicans secreted aspartic proteinase show significant therapeutic potential.
- Addressing antifungal resistance requires innovative approaches in drug discovery.
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