New strategic insights into managing fungal biofilms
Elisa Borghi1, Giulia Morace1, Francesca Borgo1
1Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Fungal infections have dramatically increased in the last decades in parallel with an increase of populations with impaired immunity, resulting from medical conditions such as cancer, transplantation, or other chronic diseases. Such opportunistic infections result from a complex relationship between fungi and host, and can range from self-limiting to chronic or life-threatening infections. Modern medicine, characterized by a wide use of biomedical devices, offers new niches for fungi to colonize and form biofilm communities. The capability of fungi to form biofilms is well documented and associated with increased drug tolerance and resistance. In addition, biofilm formation facilitates persistence in the host promoting a persistent inflammatory condition. With a limited availability of antifungals within our arsenal, new therapeutic approaches able to address both host and pathogenic factors that promote fungal disease progression, i.e., chronic inflammation and biofilm formation, could represent an advantage in the clinical setting. In this paper we discuss the antifungal properties of myriocin, fulvic acid, and acetylcholine in light of their already known anti-inflammatory activity and as candidate dual action therapeutics to treat opportunistic fungal infections.
Insights
Opportunistic fungal infections are rising. Myriocin, fulvic acid, and acetylcholine show promise as dual-action therapeutics, targeting both fungal growth and host inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal infections have increased due to rising immunocompromised populations and medical device use.
- Fungal biofilms contribute to drug resistance and persistent host inflammation, complicating treatment.
- Limited antifungal options necessitate novel therapeutic strategies addressing both fungal and host factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of myriocin, fulvic acid, and acetylcholine as dual-action therapeutics.
- To evaluate their antifungal properties alongside their known anti-inflammatory activities.
- To identify new treatment candidates for opportunistic fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on myriocin, fulvic acid, and acetylcholine.
- Analysis of their documented anti-inflammatory effects.
- Assessment of their potential to combat fungal biofilm formation and associated inflammation.
Main Results:
- Myriocin, fulvic acid, and acetylcholine possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- These compounds are candidates for addressing chronic inflammation in fungal infections.
- Their potential dual action against fungal pathogens and host response warrants further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Myriocin, fulvic acid, and acetylcholine represent promising candidates for novel antifungal therapies.
- Their ability to target both fungal persistence and host inflammation offers a potential advantage.
- Further research is needed to validate their efficacy in clinical settings.
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