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Update on fungal lipid biosynthesis inhibitors as antifungal agents

Monika Vishwakarma1, Tanweer Haider2, Vandana Soni1

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, M.P., India.

Microbiological Research
|October 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Newer antifungal drugs targeting fungal lipid synthesis are needed due to existing drug toxicities. This review explores novel compounds that inhibit fungal lipid synthesis for potential new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • * Mycology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • * Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Background:

  • * Fungal infections pose a significant global health challenge, exacerbated by factors like poor hygiene, decreased immunity, and post-COVID-19 increases.
  • * Current antifungal agents (polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, anti-metabolites) are effective but associated with side effects and toxicities.
  • * There is a critical need for novel antifungal agents with improved safety profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review fungal lipid synthesis pathways and identify existing antifungal agents that target these pathways.
  • * To highlight novel compounds with fungal lipid synthesis inhibition activity.
  • * To guide further pharmacological investigation and drug delivery system development for new antifungal therapies.

Main Methods:

  • * Comprehensive literature review of fungal lipid synthesis pathways.
  • * Analysis of existing antifungal agents targeting lipid metabolism.
  • * Identification and compilation of novel compounds demonstrating fungal lipid synthesis inhibition.

Main Results:

  • * Fungal cells contain unique lipids like ergosterol, synthesized through complex pathways regulated by multiple enzymes.
  • * Inhibition of key enzymes in fungal lipid synthesis presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
  • * Several novel compounds have been identified with potent fungal lipid synthesis inhibition activity.

Conclusions:

  • * Targeting fungal lipid synthesis pathways offers a viable strategy for developing new antifungal drugs.
  • * The identified novel compounds warrant further pharmacological investigation and development.
  • * Developing effective drug delivery systems will be crucial for the clinical application of these new agents.
Keywords:
Antifungal agentsErgosterolFungal diseaseLipid biosynthesis inhibitorsPhospholipidSphingolipids

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