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Targeting adhesion in fungal pathogen Candida albicans

Harlei Martin1, Kevin Kavanagh2,3, Trinidad Velasco-Torrijos1,3

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland.

Future Medicinal Chemistry
|June 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Small molecules can inhibit Candida albicans adhesion to host cells by disrupting fungal cell structures and key adhesion mechanisms. This research offers a promising strategy for developing novel antifungal therapies against resistant infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Antifungal resistance is a growing global health concern.
  • Candida albicans is a significant opportunistic pathogen causing various infections.
  • Inhibition of pathogen adhesion is a key strategy to prevent infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore small molecules that can disrupt Candida albicans adhesion to host cells.
  • To identify novel therapeutic targets for antifungal drug development.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated small molecules targeting fungal cell wall biosynthesis and membrane integrity.
  • Examined inhibition of GPI-anchor protein localization and adhesion-related enzyme production.
  • Assessed downregulation of adhesin genes and competitive inhibition of receptor interactions.

Main Results:

  • Small molecules effectively disrupted Candida albicans cell wall and membrane.
  • Inhibition of adhesion mechanisms, including adhesin expression and receptor binding, was observed.
  • Reduced adhesion of Candida albicans to host cells was achieved.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting Candida albicans adhesion with small molecules is a viable strategy.
  • Disrupting fungal adhesion pathways can lead to new antifungal agents.
  • This approach holds promise for combating drug-resistant fungal infections.
Keywords:
Candida albicansadhesion inhibitorsanti-adhesion therapiesantifungal agentsantimicrobial resistancevirulence factors

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