Novel antifungal agents against cryptococcal infections
10.16438/j.0513-4870.2016-1228
- VernacularTitle:治疗隐球菌感染新药研究进展
- Author:
Guo-jian LIAO
1
;
Jiao ZHENG
1
;
Yu-qi HUANG
1
;
Chen FU
1
;
Jian-ping XIE
2
Author Information
1. Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
2. Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Publication Type:REVIEWS
- Keywords:
C. neoformans;
cryptococcosis;
cryptococcal meningitis;
high-throughput screening;
drug repurposing;
sertraline
- From:
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica
2017;52(6):859-864
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Cryptococcal meningitis, caused by fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, is responsible for over a million infections and 600 000 deaths annually. Largely due to the limited treatment options and the intrinsic drawbacks coupled with drug resistance to current therapies, it is urgent to discover novel antifungal agents against cryptococcosis. An ideal antifungal drug should at least satisfy the following criteria: fungicidal, fungus-specific, permeable for the host barriers such as cell membranes of phagocytes and the blood-CNS barrier. Both discovery of candidates with novel mode of action and repurposing existing molecules with potent anti-cryptococcal activity are effective ways in discovery of new anti-cryptococcal agents. Here, we summarized recent advances in the study of anti-fungal activities, mechanisms of action, and clinical developments of new anti-cryptococcal drugs.
