Innate Inspiration: Antifungal Peptides and Other Immunotherapeutics From the Host Immune Response

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fungal infections pose a significant global health challenge, with rising resistance to existing antifungal drugs.
• The immune system offers a rich source of inspiration for novel antifungal therapeutic strategies.
• Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a key focus due to their direct and immunomodulatory effects against fungi.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review antifungal therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical development.
• To highlight agents derived from or influenced by the immune system.
• To specifically focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and related immunotherapies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of antifungal compounds based on immunological principles.
• Inclusion of agents with direct antifungal activity and those that modulate the host immune response.

Main Results:

• Identification of diverse antifungal candidates including AMPs, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and immunomodulatory molecules.
• Discussion of agents like vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, interferons, colony-stimulating factors, and immune cell therapies.
• Acknowledgement of extensive in vitro and in vivo research supporting these therapeutic developments.

Conclusions:

• The immune system provides a promising foundation for developing next-generation antifungal therapies.
• Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and immunomodulatory approaches represent key areas for future antifungal drug discovery.
• Continued research and clinical development are crucial for translating these immune-inspired candidates into effective treatments for fungal infections.