New Horizons in Antifungal Therapy

Recent investigations have yielded both profound insights into the mechanisms required by pathogenic fungi for virulence within the human host, as well as novel potential targets for antifungal therapeutics. Some of these studies have resulted in the identification of novel compounds that act agains...

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Main Authors: Kaila M. Pianalto, J. Andrew Alspaugh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2016-10-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/2/4/26
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author Kaila M. Pianalto
J. Andrew Alspaugh
author_facet Kaila M. Pianalto
J. Andrew Alspaugh
author_sort Kaila M. Pianalto
collection DOAJ
description Recent investigations have yielded both profound insights into the mechanisms required by pathogenic fungi for virulence within the human host, as well as novel potential targets for antifungal therapeutics. Some of these studies have resulted in the identification of novel compounds that act against these pathways and also demonstrate potent antifungal activity. However, considerable effort is required to move from pre-clinical compound testing to true clinical trials, a necessary step toward ultimately bringing new drugs to market. The rising incidence of invasive fungal infections mandates continued efforts to identify new strategies for antifungal therapy. Moreover, these life-threatening infections often occur in our most vulnerable patient populations. In addition to finding completely novel antifungal compounds, there is also a renewed effort to redirect existing drugs for use as antifungal agents. Several recent screens have identified potent antifungal activity in compounds previously indicated for other uses in humans. Together, the combined efforts of academic investigators and the pharmaceutical industry is resulting in exciting new possibilities for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
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spelling doaj.art-d2bea5c5bf6a4220858e815b78e59b3a2022-12-21T19:41:35ZengMDPI AGJournal of Fungi2309-608X2016-10-01242610.3390/jof2040026jof2040026New Horizons in Antifungal TherapyKaila M. Pianalto0J. Andrew Alspaugh1Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USADepartment of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USARecent investigations have yielded both profound insights into the mechanisms required by pathogenic fungi for virulence within the human host, as well as novel potential targets for antifungal therapeutics. Some of these studies have resulted in the identification of novel compounds that act against these pathways and also demonstrate potent antifungal activity. However, considerable effort is required to move from pre-clinical compound testing to true clinical trials, a necessary step toward ultimately bringing new drugs to market. The rising incidence of invasive fungal infections mandates continued efforts to identify new strategies for antifungal therapy. Moreover, these life-threatening infections often occur in our most vulnerable patient populations. In addition to finding completely novel antifungal compounds, there is also a renewed effort to redirect existing drugs for use as antifungal agents. Several recent screens have identified potent antifungal activity in compounds previously indicated for other uses in humans. Together, the combined efforts of academic investigators and the pharmaceutical industry is resulting in exciting new possibilities for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.http://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/2/4/26amphotericinpolyeneazoleechinocandinflucytosineaspergillosiscandidiasiscryptococcosisfungal infectionmycosis
spellingShingle Kaila M. Pianalto
J. Andrew Alspaugh
New Horizons in Antifungal Therapy
Journal of Fungi
amphotericin
polyene
azole
echinocandin
flucytosine
aspergillosis
candidiasis
cryptococcosis
fungal infection
mycosis
title New Horizons in Antifungal Therapy
title_full New Horizons in Antifungal Therapy
title_fullStr New Horizons in Antifungal Therapy
title_full_unstemmed New Horizons in Antifungal Therapy
title_short New Horizons in Antifungal Therapy
title_sort new horizons in antifungal therapy
topic amphotericin
polyene
azole
echinocandin
flucytosine
aspergillosis
candidiasis
cryptococcosis
fungal infection
mycosis
url http://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/2/4/26
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