Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025
Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds
Published on: February 14, 2018
Drug repurposing strategies in the development of potential antifungal agents
Qian Zhang1, Fangyan Liu1, Meng Zeng1
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The morbidity and mortality caused by invasive fungal infections are increasing across the globe due to developments in transplant surgery, the use of immunosuppressive agents, and the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains, which has led to a challenge in terms of treatment due to the limitations of three classes of drugs. Hence, it is imperative to establish effective strategies to identify and design new antifungal drugs. Drug repurposing is a potential way of expanding the application of existing drugs. Recently, various existing drugs have been shown to be useful in the prevention and treatment of invasive fungi. In this review, we summarize the currently used antifungal agents. In addition, the most up-to-date information on the effectiveness of existing drugs with antifungal activity is discussed. Moreover, the antifungal mechanisms of existing drugs are highlighted. These data will provide valuable knowledge to stimulate further investigation and clinical application in this field. KEY POINTS: • Conventional antifungal agents have limitations due to the occurrence of drug-resistant strains. • Non-antifungal drugs act as antifungal agents in various ways toward different targets. • Non-antifungal drugs with antifungal activity are demonstrated as effective antifungal strategies.
Insights
Drug-resistant fungal infections are rising, necessitating new treatments. This review explores existing drugs, including non-antifungal agents, as effective strategies against invasive fungi.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a growing global health threat, driven by increased organ transplantation, immunosuppression, and drug-resistant fungal strains.
- Current antifungal drug classes exhibit limitations, creating a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Drug repurposing offers a promising avenue for identifying new antifungal applications for existing medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review established antifungal agents and their limitations.
- To explore the antifungal potential and mechanisms of non-antifungal drugs.
- To highlight effective drug repurposing strategies for invasive fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current antifungal agents.
- Analysis of recent studies on drug repurposing for antifungal activity.
- Examination of the mechanisms of action for drugs exhibiting antifungal properties.
Main Results:
- Conventional antifungal drugs face challenges due to emerging resistance.
- Numerous non-antifungal drugs demonstrate efficacy against various fungal targets through diverse mechanisms.
- Repurposed drugs represent a viable and effective approach to combating IFIs.
Conclusions:
- The limitations of current antifungals necessitate exploring alternative therapeutic avenues.
- Drug repurposing provides a valuable strategy for discovering novel treatments for invasive fungal infections.
- Further research into non-antifungal agents holds significant promise for clinical application.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Drug Discovery: Overview
01:26Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...