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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Prospects for anti-Candida therapy through targeting the cell wall: A mini-review
Sanaz Ahmadipour1,2, Robert A Field1,2, Gavin J Miller3
1Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The impact of fungal infections on humans is a serious public health issue that has received much less attention than bacterial infection and treatment, despite ever-increasing incidence exacerbated by an increased incidence of immunocompromised individuals in the population. Candida species, in particular, cause some of the most prevalent hospital-related fungal infections. Fungal infections are also detrimental to the well-being of grazing livestock, with milk production in dairy cows, and body and coat condition adversely affected by fungal infections. Fungal cell walls are essential for viability, morphogenesis and pathogenesis: numerous anti-fungal drugs rely on targeting either the cell wall or cell membrane, but the pipeline of available bioactives is limited. There is a clear and unmet need to identify novel targets and develop new classes of anti-fungal agents. This mini review focuses on fungal cell wall structure, composition and biosynthesis in Candida spp., including C. auris. In addition, an overview of current advances in the development of cell wall targeted therapies is considered.
Insights
Fungal infections, particularly from Candida species, pose a significant health threat. This review explores fungal cell wall biology and new therapeutic targets to combat these infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Fungal infections are a growing public health concern, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Candida species are common causes of hospital-acquired fungal infections.
- Existing antifungal therapies are limited, highlighting the need for novel treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure, composition, and biosynthesis of fungal cell walls in Candida species.
- To discuss current advancements in developing cell wall-targeted antifungal therapies.
- To identify novel targets for new antifungal agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of fungal cell wall biology.
- Analysis of current research on antifungal drug development.
- Focus on Candida species, including Candida auris.
Main Results:
- Fungal cell walls are crucial for fungal viability, morphogenesis, and pathogenesis.
- Current antifungal drugs primarily target the cell wall or cell membrane.
- Limited pipeline of available bioactive compounds necessitates new approaches.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for novel antifungal agents and therapeutic targets.
- Understanding fungal cell wall biosynthesis is key to developing new treatments.
- Cell wall-targeted therapies represent a promising avenue for combating fungal infections.
