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Schinas G, Spernovasilis N, Akinosoglou K. Antifungal pipeline: Is there light at the end of the tunnel? World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:2686-2691. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i16.2686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The misuse and overuse of classic antifungals have accelerated the development of resistance mechanisms, diminishing the efficacy of established therapeutic pathways and necessitating a shift towards alternative targets. Despite this pressing need for new treatments, the antifungal drug pipeline has been largely stagnant for the past three decades, primarily due to the high risks and costs associated with antifungal drug development, compounded by uncertain market returns. Extensive research durations, special patient populations and rigorous regulatory demands pose significant barriers to bringing novel antifungal agents to market. In response, the “push-pull” incentive model has emerged as a vital strategy to invigorate the pipeline and encourage innovation. This editorial critically examines the current clinical landscape and spotlights emerging antifungal agents, such as Fosmanogepix, Ibrexafungerp, and Olorofim, while also unraveling the multifaceted challenges faced in new antifungal drug development. The generation of novel antifungals offers a beacon of hope in the battle against antimicrobial resistance, but it is premature to declare them as definitive solutions. Their future role hinges on thorough clinical validation, cost-effectiveness assessments, and continuous post-marketing surveillance. Only through strategic implementation and integration with market strategies we can transform the landscape of antifungal development, addressing both the resistance crisis and the treatment challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Schinas
- Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
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Akinosoglou K, Rigopoulos EA, Papageorgiou D, Schinas G, Polyzou E, Dimopoulou E, Gogos C, Dimopoulos G. Amphotericin B in the Era of New Antifungals: Where Will It Stand? J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:278. [PMID: 38667949 PMCID: PMC11051097 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Amphotericin B (AmB) has long stood as a cornerstone in the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), especially among immunocompromised patients. However, the landscape of antifungal therapy is evolving. New antifungal agents, boasting novel mechanisms of action and better safety profiles, are entering the scene, presenting alternatives to AmB's traditional dominance. This shift, prompted by an increase in the incidence of IFIs, the growing demographic of immunocompromised individuals, and changing patterns of fungal resistance, underscores the continuous need for effective treatments. Despite these challenges, AmB's broad efficacy and low resistance rates maintain its essential status in antifungal therapy. Innovations in AmB formulations, such as lipid complexes and liposomal delivery systems, have significantly mitigated its notorious nephrotoxicity and infusion-related reactions, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. Moreover, AmB's efficacy in treating severe and rare fungal infections and its pivotal role as prophylaxis in high-risk settings highlight its value and ongoing relevance. This review examines AmB's standing amidst the ever-changing antifungal landscape, focusing on its enduring significance in current clinical practice and exploring its potential future therapeutic adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Akinosoglou
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (E.A.R.); (D.P.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (C.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | | | - Despoina Papageorgiou
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (E.A.R.); (D.P.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Georgios Schinas
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (E.A.R.); (D.P.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Eleni Polyzou
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (E.A.R.); (D.P.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (C.G.)
| | | | - Charalambos Gogos
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (E.A.R.); (D.P.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (C.G.)
| | - George Dimopoulos
- 3rd Department of Critical Care, Evgenidio Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
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Kriegl L, Egger M, Boyer J, Hoenigl M, Krause R. New treatment options for critically important WHO fungal priority pathogens. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024:S1198-743X(24)00118-6. [PMID: 38461942 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yet often overlooked in public health discourse, fungal infections pose a crucial global disease burden associated with annual mortality rates approximately equal to tuberculosis and HIV. In response, the WHO published its first global priority list of fungal pathogens in 2022 assigning Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Candida auris, and Cryptococcus neoformans to the critical group. OBJECTIVES This review provides succinct insights into novel antifungals in development, aiming to contribute valuable information and perspectives with a focus on recent clinical findings and new treatment approaches for critical members of the WHO fungal pathogen priority list. SOURCES PubMed literature search using 'Aspergillus fumigatus', 'Cryptococcus neoformans', 'Candida auris', and 'Candida albicans', along with the names of novel antifungal substances, including 'fosmanogepix', 'ibrexafungerp', 'opelconazole', 'oteseconazole', 'MAT2203', 'olorofim', and 'rezafungin' was conducted. CONTENT For each critical pathogen, current issues and global clinical data from recent trials are covered. The remarkable development of three new antifungal therapeutics recently receiving Food and Drug Administration approval (ibrexafungerp-June 2021, oteseconazole -April 2022, and rezafungin-March 2023) is outlined, with two more exciting new antifungal substances, namely, olorofim and fosmanogepix expecting approval within the next years. Ibrexafungerp, fosmanogepix, and rezafungin have additionally been granted orphan drug status by the European Medicines Agency in Europe (ibrexafungerp-November 2021, fosmanogepix-July 2022, and rezafungin-January 2024). IMPLICATIONS Although the limited number of targets and the emergence of resistance have posed challenges to antifungal treatment, new drugs such as ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, fosmanogepix, or olorofim have shown promising clinical efficacy. These drugs not only provide alternative options for invasive fungal infections but also alleviate treatment in outpatient settings. More clinical data, implementation of stewardship programmes, and surveillance, including utilization of drugs in agriculture, are necessary to prevent resistance development and to ensure the safety and efficacy of these new agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kriegl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Clinical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Clinical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Johannes Boyer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Clinical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Clinical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Clinical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Reguera-Gomez M, Dores MR, Martinez LR. Innovative and potential treatments for fungal central nervous system infections. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 76:102397. [PMID: 37898052 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections of the central nervous system (FI-CNS) are a problematic and important medical challenge considering that those most affected are immunocompromised. Individuals with systemic cryptococcosis (67-84%), candidiasis (3-64%), blastomycosis (40%), coccidioidomycosis (25%), histoplasmosis (5-20%), mucormycosis (12%), and aspergillosis (4-6%) are highly susceptible to develop CNS involvement, which often results in high mortality (15-100%) depending on the mycosis and the affected immunosuppressed population. Current antifungal drugs are limited, prone to resistance, present host toxicity, and show reduced brain penetration, making FI-CNS very difficult to treat. Given these limitations and the rise in FI-CNS, there is a need for innovative strategies for therapeutic development and treatments to manage FI-CNS in at-risk populations. Here, we discuss standards of care, antifungal drug candidates, and novel molecular targets in the blood-brain barrier, which is a protective structure that regulates movement of particles in and out of the brain, to prevent and combat FI-CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Reguera-Gomez
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael R Dores
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Luis R Martinez
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Immunology and Transplantation, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Fernandes C, Sousa-Baptista J, Lenha-Silva AF, Calheiros D, Correia E, Figueirinha A, Salgueiro L, Gonçalves T. Azorean Black Tea ( Camellia sinensis) Antidermatophytic and Fungicidal Properties. Molecules 2023; 28:7775. [PMID: 38067505 PMCID: PMC10707949 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of dermatophytoses, the most common human fungal infections, requires new alternatives. The aim of this study was to determine the antidermatophytic activity of the aqueous Azorean Black Tea extract (ABT), together with an approach to the mechanisms of action. The phytochemical analysis of ABT extract was performed by HPLC. The dermatophytes susceptibility was assessed using a broth microdilution assay; potential synergies with terbinafine and griseofulvin were evaluated by the checkerboard assay. The mechanism of action was appraised by the quantification of the fungal cell wall chitin and β-1,3-glucan, and by membrane ergosterol. The presence of ultrastructural modifications was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The ABT extract contained organic and phenolic acids, flavonoids, theaflavins and alkaloids. It showed an antidermatophytic effect, with MIC values of 250 µg/mL for Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 125 µg/mL for Trichophyton rubrum and 500 µg/mL for Microsporum canis; at these concentrations, the extract was fungicidal. An additive effect of ABT in association to terbinafine on these three dermatophytes was observed. The ABT extract caused a significant reduction in β-1,3-glucan content, indicating the synthesis of this cell wall component as a possible target. The present study identifies the antidermatophytic activity of the ABT and highlights its potential to improve the effectiveness of conventional topical treatment currently used for the management of skin or mucosal fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Fernandes
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.F.); (J.S.-B.); (A.F.L.-S.); (D.C.); (E.C.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Sousa-Baptista
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.F.); (J.S.-B.); (A.F.L.-S.); (D.C.); (E.C.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Filipa Lenha-Silva
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.F.); (J.S.-B.); (A.F.L.-S.); (D.C.); (E.C.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Calheiros
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.F.); (J.S.-B.); (A.F.L.-S.); (D.C.); (E.C.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Edmilson Correia
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.F.); (J.S.-B.); (A.F.L.-S.); (D.C.); (E.C.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Artur Figueirinha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.); (L.S.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.); (L.S.)
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.F.); (J.S.-B.); (A.F.L.-S.); (D.C.); (E.C.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Stover KR, Hawkins BK, Keck JM, Barber KE, Cretella DA. Antifungal resistance, combinations and pipeline: oh my! Drugs Context 2023; 12:2023-7-1. [PMID: 38021410 PMCID: PMC10653594 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-7-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are a strong contributor to healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality, especially amongst hospitalized patients. Historically, Candida was responsible for approximately 15% of all nosocomial bloodstream infections. In the past 10 years, the epidemiology of Candida species has altered, with increasing prevalence of resistant species. With rising fungal resistance, especially in Candida spp., the demand for novel antifungal therapies has exponentially increased over the last decade. Newer antifungal agents have become an attractive option for patients needing long-term therapy for infections or those requiring antifungal prophylaxis. Despite advances in coverage of non-Candida pathogens with newer agents, clinical scenarios involving multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens continue to arise in practice. Combination antifungal therapy can lead to a host of side-effects, some of which can be drug limiting. Additional antifungal therapies with enhanced fungal spectrum of activity and decreased rates of adverse effects are warranted. Fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, olorofim and rezafungin may help fill some of these gaps in the antifungal armamentarium. This article is part of the Challenges and strategies in the management of invasive fungal infections Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext.com/special_issues/challenges-and-strategies-in-the-management-of-invasive-fungal-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla R Stover
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Brandon K Hawkins
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - J Myles Keck
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Katie E Barber
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - David A Cretella
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Spadari CDC, Borba-Santos LP, Rozental S, Ishida K. Miltefosine repositioning: A review of potential alternative antifungal therapy. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101436. [PMID: 37774486 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a global health problem with high mortality and morbidity rates. Available antifungal agents have high toxicity and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic limitations. Moreover, the increased incidence of antifungal-resistant isolates and the emergence of intrinsically resistant species raise concerns about seeking alternatives for efficient antifungal therapy. In this context, we review literature data addressing the potential action of miltefosine (MFS), an anti-Leishmania and anticancer agent, as a repositioning drug for antifungal treatment. Here, we highlight the in vitro and in vivo data, MFS possible mechanisms of action, case reports, and nanocarrier-mediated MFS delivery, focusing on fungal infection therapy. Finally, many studies have demonstrated the promising antifungal action of MFS in vitro, but there is little or no data on antifungal activity in vertebrate animal models and clinical trials, so have a need to develop more research for the repositioning of MFS as an antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kelly Ishida
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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8
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Boyer J, Feys S, Zsifkovits I, Hoenigl M, Egger M. Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis: How It's Going, Where It's Heading. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:667-681. [PMID: 37100963 PMCID: PMC10132806 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00727-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in treatment and diagnostics over the last two decades, invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a devastating fungal disease. The number of immunocompromised patients and hence vulnerable hosts increases, which is paralleled by the emergence of a rise in IA cases. Increased frequencies of azole-resistant strains are reported from six continents, presenting a new challenge for the therapeutic management. Treatment options for IA currently consist of three classes of antifungals (azoles, polyenes, echinocandins) with distinctive advantages and shortcomings. Especially in settings of difficult to treat IA, comprising drug tolerance/resistance, limiting drug-drug interactions, and/or severe underlying organ dysfunction, novel approaches are urgently needed. Promising new drugs for the treatment of IA are in late-stage clinical development, including olorofim (a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor), fosmanogepix (a Gwt1 enzyme inhibitor), ibrexafungerp (a triterpenoid), opelconazole (an azole optimized for inhalation) and rezafungin (an echinocandin with long half-life time). Further, new insights in the pathophysiology of IA yielding immunotherapy as a potential add-on therapy. Current investigations show encouraging results, so far mostly in preclinical settings. In this review we discuss current treatment strategies, give an outlook on possible new pharmaceutical therapeutic options, and, lastly, provide an overview of the ongoing research in immunotherapy for IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Boyer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Feys
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Isabella Zsifkovits
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria.
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Shapiro RS, Gerstein AC. Powering up antifungal treatment: using small molecules to unlock the potential of existing therapies. mBio 2023; 14:e0107323. [PMID: 37530533 PMCID: PMC10470729 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01073-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens are increasingly appreciated as a significant infectious disease challenge. Compared to bacteria, fungal cells are more closely related to human cells, and few classes of antifungal drugs are available. Combination therapy offers a potential solution to reduce the likelihood of resistance acquisition and extend the lifespan of existing antifungals. There has been recent interest in combining first-line drugs with small-molecule adjuvants. In a recent article, Alabi et al. identified 1,4-benzodiazepines as promising molecules to enhance azole activity in pathogenic Candida spp. (P. E. Alabi, C. Gautier, T. P. Murphy, X. Gu, M. Lepas, V. Aimanianda, J. K. Sello, I. V. Ene, 2023, mBio https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00479-23). These molecules have no antifungal activity on their own but exhibited significant potentiation of fluconazole in azole-susceptible and -resistant isolates. Additionally, the 1,4-benzodiazepines increased the fungicidal activity of azoles that are typically fungistatic to Candida spp., inhibited filamentation (a virulence-associated trait), and accordingly increased host survival in Galleria mellonella. This research thus provides another encouraging step on the critical pathway toward reducing mortality due to antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S. Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aleeza C. Gerstein
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Statistics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Smith DJ, Gold JAW, Benedict K, Wu K, Lyman M, Jordan A, Medina N, Lockhart SR, Sexton DJ, Chow NA, Jackson BR, Litvintseva AP, Toda M, Chiller T. Public Health Research Priorities for Fungal Diseases: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Save Lives. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:820. [PMID: 37623591 PMCID: PMC10455901 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections can cause severe disease and death and impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. Public health research requires a multidisciplinary approach and is essential to help save lives and prevent disability from fungal diseases. In this manuscript, we outline the main public health research priorities for fungal diseases, including the measurement of the fungal disease burden and distribution and the need for improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Characterizing the public health, economic, health system, and individual burden caused by fungal diseases can provide critical insights to promote better prevention and treatment. The development and validation of fungal diagnostic tests that are rapid, accurate, and cost-effective can improve testing practices. Understanding best practices for antifungal prophylaxis can optimize prevention in at-risk populations, while research on antifungal resistance can improve patient outcomes. Investment in vaccines may eliminate certain fungal diseases or lower incidence and mortality. Public health research priorities and approaches may vary by fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallas J. Smith
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (J.A.W.G.); (K.B.); (K.W.); (M.L.); (A.J.); (N.M.); (S.R.L.); (D.J.S.); (N.A.C.); (B.R.J.); (A.P.L.); (M.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (J.A.W.G.); (K.B.); (K.W.); (M.L.); (A.J.); (N.M.); (S.R.L.); (D.J.S.); (N.A.C.); (B.R.J.); (A.P.L.); (M.T.)
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11
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Correia EEM, Figueirinha A, Rodrigues L, Pinela J, Calhelha RC, Barros L, Fernandes C, Salgueiro L, Gonçalves T. The Chemical Profile, and Antidermatophytic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Withania chevalieri A.E. Gonç. Ethanolic Extract. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2502. [PMID: 37447064 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Withania chevalieri, endogenous from Cape Verde, is a medicinal plant used in ethnomedicine with a large spectrum of applications, such as treating skin fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. The aim of this work was to chemically characterize the W. chevalieri crude ethanolic extract (WcCEE), and evaluate its bioactivities as antidermatophytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer, as well as its cytotoxicity. WcCEE was chemically characterized via HPLC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal fungicidal concentration, time-kill and checkerboard assays were used to study the antidermatophytic activity of WcCEE. As an approach to the mechanism of action, the cell wall components, β-1,3-glucan and chitin, and cell membrane ergosterol were quantified. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allowed for the study of the fungal ultrastructure. WcCEE contained phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpenes. It had a concentration-dependent fungicidal activity, not inducing relevant resistance, and was endowed with synergistic effects, especially terbinafine. TEM showed severely damaged fungi; the cell membrane and cell wall components levels had slight modifications. The extract had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, with low toxicity to non-tumoral cell lines. The results demonstrated the potential of WcCEE as an antidermatophytic agent, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity, to be safely used in pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Artur Figueirinha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- CNC-UC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Pinela
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ricardo C Calhelha
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Lillian Barros
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Chantal Fernandes
- CNC-UC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC-UC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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12
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Meagher RB, Lewis ZA, Ambati S, Lin X. DectiSomes: C-type lectin receptor-targeted liposomes as pan-antifungal drugs. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114776. [PMID: 36934519 PMCID: PMC10133202 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Combatting the ever-increasing threat from invasive fungal pathogens faces numerous fundamental challenges, including constant human exposure to large reservoirs of species in the environment, the increasing population of immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals, the unsatisfactory efficacy of current antifungal drugs and their associated toxicity, and the scientific and economic barriers limiting a new antifungal pipeline. DectiSomes represent a new drug delivery platform that enhances antifungal efficacy for diverse fungal pathogens and reduces host toxicity for current and future antifungals. DectiSomes employ pathogen receptor proteins - C-type lectins - to target drug-loaded liposomes to conserved fungal cognate ligands and away from host cells. DectiSomes represent one leap forward for urgently needed effective pan-antifungal therapy. Herein, we discuss the problems of battling fungal diseases and the state of DectiSome development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Meagher
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Zachary A Lewis
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Suresh Ambati
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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13
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Rasouli Koohi S, Shankarnarayan SA, Galon CM, Charlebois DA. Identification and Elimination of Antifungal Tolerance in Candida auris. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030898. [PMID: 36979876 PMCID: PMC10045952 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis to which pathogenic fungi make a substantial contribution. The human fungal pathogen C. auris is of particular concern due to its rapid spread across the world and its evolution of multidrug resistance. Fluconazole failure in C. auris has been recently attributed to antifungal “tolerance”. Tolerance is a phenomenon whereby a slow-growing subpopulation of tolerant cells, which are genetically identical to susceptible cells, emerges during drug treatment. We use microbroth dilution and disk diffusion assays, together with image analysis, to investigate antifungal tolerance in C. auris to all three classes of antifungal drugs used to treat invasive candidiasis. We find that (1) C. auris is tolerant to several common fungistatic and fungicidal drugs, which in some cases can be detected after 24 h, as well as after 48 h, of antifungal drug exposure; (2) the tolerant phenotype reverts to the susceptible phenotype in C. auris; and (3) combining azole, polyene, and echinocandin antifungal drugs with the adjuvant chloroquine in some cases reduces or eliminates tolerance and resistance in patient-derived C. auris isolates. These results suggest that tolerance contributes to treatment failure in C. auris infections for a broad range of antifungal drugs, and that antifungal adjuvants may improve treatment outcomes for patients infected with antifungal-tolerant or antifungal-resistant fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel A. Charlebois
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Correspondence:
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14
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Puerta-Alcalde P, Garcia-Vidal C. Non- Aspergillus mould lung infections. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/166/220104. [PMID: 36261156 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0104-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Aspergillus filamentous fungi causing invasive mould infections have increased over the last years due to the widespread use of anti-Aspergillus prophylaxis and increased complexity and survival of immunosuppressed patients. In the few studies that have reported on invasive mould infection epidemiology, Mucorales are the most frequently isolated group, followed by either Fusarium spp. or Scedosporium spp. The overall incidence is low, but related mortality is exceedingly high. Patients with haematological malignancies and haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients comprise the classical groups at risk of infection for non-Aspergillus moulds due to profound immunosuppression and the vast use of anti-Aspergillus prophylaxis. Solid organ transplant recipients also face a high risk, especially those receiving lung transplants, due to direct exposure of the graft to mould spores with altered mechanical and immunological elimination, and intense, associated immunosuppression. Diagnosing non-Aspergillus moulds is challenging due to unspecific symptoms and radiological findings, lack of specific biomarkers, and low sensitivity of cultures. However, the advent of molecular techniques may prove helpful. Mucormycosis, fusariosis and scedosporiosis hold some differences regarding clinical paradigmatic presentations and preferred antifungal therapy. Surgery might be an option, especially in mucormycosis. Finally, various promising strategies to restore or enhance the host immune response are under current evaluation.
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15
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Bernal FA, Hammann P, Kloss F. Natural products in antibiotic development: is the success story over? Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102783. [PMID: 36088735 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural product (NP)-based antibiotics have been exploited for more than eighty years and continue saving uncountable lives every year. However, antimicrobial R&D is inadequate to counteract antimicrobial resistance. The majority of marketed antibiotics are inspired by NP classes that were discovered more than 50 years ago. With the advent of advanced genomic approaches, cultivation methods, and modern analytical techniques, NP discovery holds promise that there are way more powerful antibiotic scaffolds to be discovered. However, the currently lean antibiotic R&D pipeline shows a clear trend away from NP-based programs and innovative compounds are also rare in early stages. Within this review, we give an overview of the current NP antibiotic development pipeline, elaborate constraints the field is facing, and suggest measures to streamline NP-based antibiotic discovery. It is unlikely that NPs have lost significance, but reinforcement of discovery will require more targeted efforts and support to revitalize this established source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddy A Bernal
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Hammann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and Department of Pharmacy Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Florian Kloss
- Transfer Group Anti-infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany.
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16
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Punia A, Choudhary P, Sharma N, Dahiya S, Gulia P, Chhillar AK. Therapeutic Approaches for Combating Aspergillus Associated Infection. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1465-1488. [PMID: 35748549 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220623164548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Now-a-days fungal infection emerges as a significant problem to healthcare management systems due to high frequency of associated morbidity, mortality toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and resistance of the antifungal agents. Aspergillus is the most common mold that cause infection in immunocompromised hosts. It's a hyaline mold that is cosmopolitan and ubiquitous in nature. Aspergillus infects around 10 million population each year with a mortality rate of 30-90%. Clinically available antifungal formulations are restricted to four classes (i.e., polyene, triazole, echinocandin, and allylamine), and each of them have their own limitations associated with the activity spectrum, the emergence of resistance, and toxicity. Consequently, novel antifungal agents with modified and altered chemical structures are required to combat these invasive fungal infections. To overcome these limitations, there is an urgent need for new antifungal agents that can act as potent drugs in near future. Currently, some compounds have shown effective antifungal activity. In this review article, we have discussed all potential antifungal therapies that contain old antifungal drugs, combination therapies, and recent novel antifungal formulations, with a focus on the Aspergillus associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Punia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Pooja Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Namita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Sweety Dahiya
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Prity Gulia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Anil K Chhillar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
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17
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Nelson BN, Daugherty CS, Sharp RR, Booth JL, Patel VI, Metcalf JP, Jones KL, Wozniak KL. Protective interaction of human phagocytic APC subsets with Cryptococcus neoformans induces genes associated with metabolism and antigen presentation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1054477. [PMID: 36466930 PMCID: PMC9709479 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1054477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common cause of meningitis among HIV/AIDS patients in sub-Saharan Africa, and worldwide causes over 223,000 cases leading to more than 181,000 annual deaths. Usually, the fungus gets inhaled into the lungs where the initial interactions occur with pulmonary phagocytes such as dendritic cells and macrophages. Following phagocytosis, the pathogen can be killed or can replicate intracellularly. Previous studies in mice showed that different subsets of these innate immune cells can either be antifungal or permissive for intracellular fungal growth. Our studies tested phagocytic antigen-presenting cell (APC) subsets from the human lung against C. neoformans. Human bronchoalveolar lavage was processed for phagocytic APCs and incubated with C. neoformans for two hours to analyze the initial interactions and fate of the fungus, living or killed. Results showed all subsets (3 macrophage and 3 dendritic cell subsets) interacted with the fungus, and both living and killed morphologies were discernable within the subsets using imaging flow cytometry. Single cell RNA-seq identified several different clusters of cells which more closely related to interactions with C. neoformans and its protective capacity against the pathogen rather than discrete cellular subsets. Differential gene expression analyses identified several changes in the innate immune cell's transcriptome as it kills the fungus including increases of TNF-α (TNF) and the switch to using fatty acid metabolism by upregulation of the gene FABP4. Also, increases of TNF-α correlated to cryptococcal interactions and uptake. Together, these analyses implicated signaling networks that regulate expression of many different genes - both metabolic and immune - as certain clusters of cells mount a protective response and kill the pathogen. Future studies will examine these genes and networks to understand the exact mechanism(s) these phagocytic APC subsets use to kill C. neoformans in order to develop immunotherapeutic strategies to combat this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N. Nelson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Cheyenne S. Daugherty
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Rachel R. Sharp
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - J. Leland Booth
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Vineet I. Patel
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Jordan P. Metcalf
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Karen L. Wozniak
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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18
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Activities of Manogepix and Comparators against 1,435 Recent Fungal Isolates Collected during an International Surveillance Program (2020). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0102822. [DOI: 10.1128/aac.01028-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the
in vitro
activity of manogepix and comparator agents against 1,435 contemporary fungal isolates collected worldwide from 73 medical centers in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America during 2020. Of the isolates tested, 74.7% were
Candida
spp.; 3.7% were non-
Candida
yeasts, including 27
Cryptococcus neoformans
var.
grubii
(1.9%); 17.1% were
Aspergillus
spp.; and 4.5% were other molds.
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19
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Vassilopoulos S, Mylonakis E. Avenues for antifungal drug discovery and development: where to now? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:667-672. [PMID: 35790187 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2098950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanos Vassilopoulos
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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20
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Hoenigl M, Sprute R, Arastehfar A, Perfect JR, Lass-Flörl C, Bellmann R, Prattes J, Thompson GR, Wiederhold NP, Al Obaidi MM, Willinger B, Arendrup MC, Koehler P, Oliverio M, Egger M, Schwartz IS, Cornely OA, Pappas PG, Krause R. Invasive candidiasis: Investigational drugs in the clinical development pipeline and mechanisms of action. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:795-812. [PMID: 35657026 PMCID: PMC9339492 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2086120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The epidemiology of invasive Candida infections is evolving. Infections caused by non-albicans Candida spp. are increasing; however, the antifungal pipeline is more promising than ever and is enriched with repurposed drugs and agents that have new mechanisms of action. Despite progress, unmet needs in the treatment of invasive candidiasis remain and there are still too few antifungals that can be administered orally or that have CNS penetration. AREAS COVERED The authors shed light on those antifungal agents active against Candida that are in late-stage clinical development. Mechanisms of action and key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are discussed. Insights are offered on the potential future roles of the investigational agents MAT-2203, oteseconazole, ATI-2307, VL-2397, NP-339, and the repurposed drug miltefosine. EXPERT OPINION Ibrexafungerp and fosmanogepix have novel mechanisms of action and will provide effective options for the treatment of Candida infections (including those caused by multiresistant Candida spp). Rezafungin, an echinocandin with an extended half-life allowing for once weekly administration, will be particularly valuable for outpatient treatment and prophylaxis. Despite this, there is an urgent need to garner clinical data on investigational drugs, especially in the current rise of azole-resistant and multi-drug resistant Candida spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Clinical and Translational Fungal - Working Group, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Rosanne Sprute
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amir Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Romuald Bellmann
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Unit, Division of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Juergen Prattes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis Medical Center
| | - Nathan P Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Mohanad M Al Obaidi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Maiken C Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Philipp Koehler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Matteo Oliverio
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ilan S Schwartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter G Pappas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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21
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Barantsevich N, Barantsevich E. Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Candidiasis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060718. [PMID: 35740125 PMCID: PMC9219674 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species, belonging to commensal microbial communities in humans, cause opportunistic infections in individuals with impaired immunity. Pathogens encountered in more than 90% cases of invasive candidiasis include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. The most frequently diagnosed invasive infection is candidemia. About 50% of candidemia cases result in deep-seated infection due to hematogenous spread. The sensitivity of blood cultures in autopsy-proven invasive candidiasis ranges from 21% to 71%. Non-cultural methods (beta-D-glucan, T2Candida assays), especially beta-D-glucan in combination with procalcitonin, appear promising in the exclusion of invasive candidiasis with high sensitivity (98%) and negative predictive value (95%). There is currently a clear deficiency in approved sensitive and precise diagnostic techniques. Omics technologies seem promising, though require further development and study. Therapeutic options for invasive candidiasis are generally limited to four classes of systemic antifungals (polyenes, antimetabolite 5-fluorocytosine, azoles, echinocandins) with the two latter being highly effective and well-tolerated and hence the most widely used. Principles and methods of treatment are discussed in this review. The emergence of pan-drug-resistant C. auris strains indicates an insufficient choice of available medications. Further surveillance, alongside the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods, is essential.
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22
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Hayes JF. Fighting Back against Antimicrobial Resistance with Comprehensive Policy and Education: A Narrative Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050644. [PMID: 35625288 PMCID: PMC9137785 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a significant threat. A comprehensive plan is required to combat antimicrobial resistance. There have been national and international efforts to address this global health problem, but much work remains. Enhanced funding and regulations to support antimicrobial stewardship policy and program development, reforms to incentivize drug development to treat resistant pathogens, and efforts to strengthen One Health programs are areas for collaboration and innovation. Finally, implementation of educational interventions for trainees encompassing these key areas along with training on policy and leadership development is critical to enable sustainability of these efforts to fight back against antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin F Hayes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Banner University Medical Center-Tucson and South, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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