Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
Live-cell Imaging of Fungal Cells to Investigate Modes of Entry and Subcellular Localization of Antifungal Plant Defensins
Published on: December 24, 2017
Antifungal Plant Defensins as an Alternative Tool to Combat Candidiasis
Ekaterina I Finkina1, Olga V Shevchenko1, Serafima I Fateeva1
1M. M. Shemyakin & Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Currently, the spread of fungal infections is becoming an urgent problem. Fungi of the Candida genus are opportunistic microorganisms that cause superficial and life-threatening systemic candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. The list of antifungal drugs for the treatment of candidiasis is very limited, while the prevalence of resistant strains is growing rapidly. Therefore, the search for new antimycotics, including those exhibiting immunomodulatory properties, is of great importance. Plenty of natural compounds with antifungal activities may be extremely useful in solving this problem. This review evaluates the features of natural antimicrobial peptides, namely plant defensins as possible prototypes of new anticandidal agents. Plant defensins are important components of the innate immune system, which provides the first line of defense against pathogens. The introduction presents a brief summary regarding pathogenic Candida species, the pathogenesis of candidiasis, and the mechanisms of antimycotic resistance. Then, the structural features of plant defensins, their anticandidal activities, their mechanisms of action on yeast-like fungi, their ability to prevent adhesion and biofilm formation, and their combined action with conventional antimycotics are described. The possible mechanisms of fungal resistance to plant defensins, their cytotoxic activity, and their effectiveness in in vivo experiments are also discussed. In addition, for the first time for plant defensins, knowledge about their immunomodulatory effects is also presented.
Insights
Plant defensins show promise as novel anticandidal agents, offering a natural alternative to limited antifungal drugs. These peptides exhibit antifungal activity, inhibit biofilm formation, and possess immunomodulatory properties, addressing the growing challenge of drug-resistant fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rising prevalence of fungal infections, particularly candidiasis, caused by *Candida* species.
- Limited therapeutic options and increasing antifungal drug resistance necessitate new treatment strategies.
- Opportunistic *Candida* infections pose significant threats to immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of plant defensins as novel anticandidal agents.
- To evaluate the structural features, antifungal activities, and mechanisms of action of plant defensins against *Candida*.
- To explore the immunomodulatory effects and therapeutic applicability of plant defensins.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on plant defensins and their antifungal properties.
- Analysis of structural characteristics and anticandidal mechanisms of plant defensins.
- Evaluation of plant defensins' efficacy in inhibiting *Candida* adhesion, biofilm formation, and their synergistic effects with existing antifungals.
Main Results:
- Plant defensins exhibit potent anticandidal activity through various mechanisms.
- These peptides can prevent fungal adhesion and biofilm development, crucial factors in candidiasis pathogenesis.
- Plant defensins demonstrate potential for synergistic effects with conventional antifungals and possess immunomodulatory properties.
Conclusions:
- Plant defensins represent a promising class of natural compounds for developing new anticandidal therapies.
- Their multifaceted actions, including direct antifungal effects and immunomodulation, offer advantages over existing treatments.
- Further research into plant defensins could lead to innovative strategies against drug-resistant fungal infections.
Related Concept Videos
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
02:22Introduction to Plant Diversity
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...