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The Mechanistic Targets of Antifungal Agents: An Overview

Tryphon K Mazu, Barbara A Bricker, Hernan Flores-Rozas

  • 1Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA. seth.ablordeppey@famu.edu.

Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
|January 19, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Opportunistic fungal infections (OIs) pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS. This review examines biological targets for new antifungal drugs to combat rising drug resistance and improve OI treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pathogenic fungi cause opportunistic infections (OIs), particularly in immunocompromised individuals like AIDS patients.
  • Increased use of immunosuppressants, antineoplastics, antibiotics, and organ transplants contributes to OI prevalence.
  • Emerging antifungal drug resistance necessitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review biological targets of current and emerging drugs for treating opportunistic fungal infections.
  • To provide insights into developing new treatment options for OIs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current and emerging antifungal drugs.
  • Analysis of biological targets and mechanisms of action.
  • Examination of drug resistance patterns in pathogenic fungi.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key biological targets for antifungal drug development.
  • Overview of existing and novel agents acting on these targets.
  • Discussion of challenges and opportunities in combating fungal OIs.

Conclusions:

  • Developing new antifungal agents targeting specific biological pathways is crucial.
  • Addressing drug resistance is essential for effective OI management in vulnerable populations.
  • This review aids researchers in identifying new therapeutic avenues for opportunistic fungal infections.

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