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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Quantifying the Antifungal Activity of Peptides Against Candida albicans
Published on: January 13, 2023
CLEC3A-derived peptides exhibit broad-spectrum activity against Candida auris and clinically relevant pathogens
Katinka Mies1, Gabriele Hermes1, Jens Beckers1
1Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Introduction:
Antimicrobial resistance in bacterial and fungal pathogens poses a major threat to global health, with Candida auris recently classified by the WHO as a critical priority pathogen. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their broad-spectrum activity and membrane-disruptive mechanisms.
Methods:
In this study, the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of two CLEC3A-derived peptides, HT-47 and WRK-30, was evaluated in comparison to the reference AMP LL-37 and the drugs amphotericin B and penicillin/streptomycin using viable count assays, biofilm assays, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
Results:
HT-47 and WRK-30 showed antibacterial activity against the ESKAPE pathogens K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii, as well as antifungal effects against C. albicans, C. neoformans, and particularly C. auris, with MIC50 values comparable to or lower than amphotericin B. Both peptides significantly inhibited more potent C. auris biofilm formation, compared to amphotericin B. SEM and TEM revealed extensive membrane and subcellular damage in peptide-treated fungal cells.
Conclusion:
CLEC3A-derived peptides HT-47 and WRK-30 exhibit potent and comparable antibacterial and antifungal activity, highlighting their potential as therapeutic candidates for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens, including C. auris.
Insights
Two novel antimicrobial peptides, HT-47 and WRK-30, show potent broad-spectrum activity against drug-resistant bacteria and fungi, including the critical pathogen Candida auris. These peptides effectively combat infections by damaging microbial membranes, offering new therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, with Candida auris identified as a critical priority pathogen by the WHO.
- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising therapeutic avenue due to their broad-spectrum activity and membrane-disruptive mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of two CLEC3A-derived peptides, HT-47 and WRK-30.
- To compare their activity against reference AMP LL-37 and existing antifungal/antibiotic drugs.
Main Methods:
- Viable count assays were used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50).
- Biofilm inhibition assays assessed anti-biofilm potential.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) visualized cellular damage.
Main Results:
- HT-47 and WRK-30 demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens (K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii).
- Both peptides exhibited potent antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. neoformans, and notably C. auris, with MIC50 values comparable or superior to amphotericin B.
- Significant inhibition of C. auris biofilm formation was observed, alongside extensive membrane and subcellular damage in treated fungal cells.
Conclusions:
- CLEC3A-derived peptides HT-47 and WRK-30 possess potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- These peptides show significant potential as therapeutic agents against multidrug-resistant pathogens, including Candida auris.
