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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Quantifying the Antifungal Activity of Peptides Against Candida albicans
Published on: January 13, 2023
Novel synthetic anti-fungal tripeptide effective against Candida krusei
1Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
Introduction:
Candida species are the major fungal pathogens of humans. Among them, Candida krusei have emerged as a notable pathogen with a spectrum of clinical manifestations and is known to develop resistance against azoles mainly fluconazole. Anti-microbial peptides play important roles in the early mucosal defence against infection and are potent anti-fungal agents since they fight against fungal infection as well as have ability to regulate host immune defence system. The aim of the study was to synthesize a small anti fungal peptide.
Materials And Methods:
The series of tripeptides were synthesized and screened for antifungal activity against Candida strains according to CLSI guidelines. Toxicity effect of peptide was tested with human erythrocytes. The mode of action of peptide on fungus was resolved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies Results: The tripeptide FAR showed a prominent anti fungal activity among the series. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of tripeptide FAR was found to be 171.25 μg/ml and 685 μg/ml, respectively against Candida krusei . The therapeutic index was 2.9. The haemolytic experiment revealed that this peptide is non-toxic to human cells. The SEM studies showed disruption of cell wall and bleb-like surface changes and irregular cell surface.
Conclusion:
The peptide showed a significant antifungal activity against C. krusei. Thus, it can set a platform for the design of new effective therapeutic agents against C. krusei.
Insights
A novel tripeptide, FAR, demonstrates significant antifungal activity against Candida krusei, a resistant fungal pathogen. This non-toxic peptide offers a promising new therapeutic agent for combating invasive fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Candida species are leading human fungal pathogens, with Candida krusei exhibiting resistance to common antifungals like fluconazole.
- Antimicrobial peptides are crucial for mucosal defense and possess potent antifungal properties, modulating host immunity.
- There is a need for novel therapeutic strategies against emerging drug-resistant fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate a small antifungal peptide for its efficacy against Candida krusei.
- To investigate the safety and mechanism of action of the synthesized peptide.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a series of tripeptides.
- Antifungal activity screening against Candida strains using CLSI guidelines.
- Hemolytic assays to assess toxicity to human erythrocytes.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to elucidate the mode of action.
Main Results:
- The tripeptide FAR exhibited notable antifungal activity against Candida krusei.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) for FAR were 171.25 μg/ml and 685 μg/ml, respectively.
- FAR demonstrated a therapeutic index of 2.9 and was non-toxic to human erythrocytes.
- SEM revealed cell wall disruption and surface irregularities in Candida krusei treated with FAR.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized tripeptide FAR shows significant antifungal potential against Candida krusei.
- FAR represents a promising platform for developing new therapeutic agents against fluconazole-resistant Candida infections.
- Further research into peptide-based therapies is warranted for addressing challenging fungal pathogens.
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