Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Na Liu, Jie Tu, Yahui Huang, Wanzhen Yang, Qingwen Wang, Zhuang Li, Chunquan Sheng
Summary: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a serious public health threat with high incidence and mortality, especially in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, the limited availability of effective and safe antifungal agents, coupled with the development of drug resistance, hinders successful antifungal therapy. Therefore, new antifungal agents with novel modes of action, favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, and anti-resistance activity are urgently needed. This review summarizes new antifungal targets, target-based inhibitor design, and prodrug design strategies to improve the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of antifungal agents. Dual-targeting antifungal agents offer a promising strategy for the treatment of resistant infections and cancer-associated fungal infections.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Cheng Zhen, Hui Lu, Yuanying Jiang
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive summary of novel promising target proteins and their inhibitors for treating invasive fungal infections, which include inositol phosphoramide synthases, glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis, Sec14, fungal heat shock protein 90, and dihydrolactate dehydrogenase.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Liu Cong, Chaoqun Chen, Shanshan Mao, Zibing Han, Zuobin Zhu, Ying Li
Summary: The morbidity and mortality of invasive fungal infections are increasing gradually, as fungi have developed stronger defense capabilities and resistance to antibiotics. Developing new drugs and strategies to combat these fungi is crucial. Recent research has shown that certain probiotics and intestinal bacteria can inhibit the invasion and colonization of fungi, providing new strategies for resisting invasive fungal infections.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Ronen Ben-Ami
Summary: Antifungal therapy for pulmonary fungal diseases is undergoing changes, with newer drugs replacing the older standard of care. Voriconazole has become the treatment of choice for most pulmonary mold diseases, but posaconazole and itraconazole have shown similar efficacy with fewer adverse events. With the rise of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and infections with inherently resistant non-Aspergillus molds, the need for antifungal drugs with novel mechanisms of action is becoming more urgent.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danish Khan, Aaron H. Nile, Ashutosh Tripathi, Vytas A. Bankaitis
Summary: The emergence of fungal superbugs resistant to current anti-fungal agents is diminishing our ability to treat infections effectively, highlighting the urgent need for new classes of anti-fungal drugs and targets. Recent evidence suggests that Sec14-like phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) could be unexplored portals for selectively disrupting phosphoinositide signaling in virulent fungi, offering exciting potential for next generation Sec14 inhibitors. Development of refined Sec14-directed inhibitors could enhance the chemical weaponry available for combating fungal pathogens and their interactions with human hosts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lei Chen, Lanyue Zhang, Yuyan Xie, Yiting Wang, Xiuyun Tian, Wenxia Fang, Xinying Xue, Linqi Wang
Summary: Human pathogenic fungi pose a serious threat to human health due to the limited number of antifungal options and the emergence of drug-resistant variants. The understanding of fungal drug response is crucial for the development of new antifungal therapies. This review summarizes recent advances in the study of antifungal resistance, tolerance, and persistence, focusing on promising drug targets and delivery systems.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Melissa E. Munzen, Ariana D. Goncalves Garcia, Luis R. Martinez
Summary: Fungal infections are a global problem with significant economic and medical consequences. Developing new antifungal drugs is essential in combating this serious issue.
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jie Tu, Na Liu, Yahui Huang, Wanzhen Yang, Chunquan Sheng
Summary: Candida auris is a major global threat to human health due to its strong drug resistance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current strategies, drug candidates, and lead compounds for the treatment of C. auris. The resistance profiles and mechanisms are summarized, and the structures and activities of clinical candidates, drug combinations, antifungal chemosensitizers, repositioned drugs, new targets, and new types of compounds are discussed in detail. The review also offers perspectives for guiding future research in this field.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Paloma Osset-Trenor, Amparo Pascual-Ahuir, Markus Proft
Summary: Antifungal resistance is a significant concern due to limited antifungal agents and the emergence of drug resistance, highlighting the need for understanding the mechanisms and developing effective strategies.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Suman Saurabh, Cavan Kalonia, Zongyi Li, Peter Hollowell, Thomas Waigh, Peixun Li, John Webster, John M. Seddon, Jian R. Lu, Fernando Bresme
Summary: Histidine buffer can stabilize monoclonal antibody formulations by shielding hydrophobic regions on the protein surface.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Oltolina, Maria del Carmen Santaella Escolano, Ylenia Jabalera, Maria Prat, Concepcion Jimenez Lopez
Summary: This study demonstrates the concept of a promising drug carrier for cancer therapy based on targeted magnetic liposomes, which can achieve localized chemotherapy on target cancer cells using specific antibodies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Wenying Cai, Qianqian Ruan, Jiahao Li, Li Lin, Liyan Xi, Jiufeng Sun, Sha Lu
Summary: This study investigated the clinical characteristics, pathogen spectrum, and drug resistance of deep fungal infection in a hospital in Guangzhou, China. The main causative agents were Candida species. Echinocandins were the first choice for clinical therapy, followed by 5-fluorocytosine and amphotericin B. Caution should be taken when using azole antifungals in infections caused by Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kevin Roe
Summary: Several fungal pathogens are resistant to traditional treatments and some have become multidrug-resistant. Alternative treatments such as vaccines, monoclonal antibody injections, or mRNA injections can mask fungal surface proteins and target pathogenic proteins to combat infections. Combining antifungal drugs with mRNA instructions for patient synthesis of conventional or synthetic monoclonal antibodies offer potential advantages over existing treatments.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Luana Rossato, Marielle Camargo dos Santos, Roxana G. Vitale, Sybren de Hoog, Kelly Ishida
Summary: Fungal infections pose a significant threat to immunocompromised and high-risk surgical patients, with increasing rates of treatment failures. Innovative strategies are needed to develop novel and effective antifungal drugs, such as through synergistic combinations of antifungals with non-antifungal agents.
Review
Dermatology
Xuan Qi Koh, Jiun Yit Pan
Summary: The incidence and prevalence of recalcitrant cutaneous fungal infections is increasing, with Terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton and resistant strains of yeasts such as Malassezia and Candida being widely found. Non-dermatophyte moulds are challenging to treat due to resistance and poor drug penetration. Understanding the mechanisms of antifungal resistance is crucial for developing new prevention and treatment strategies.
AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tania Vanzolini, Michela Bruschi, Andrea C. Rinaldi, Mauro Magnani, Alessandra Fraternale
Summary: This review focuses on synthetic peptides and their multifaceted mechanisms of action as antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agents. Synthetic peptides have been shown to affect pathogen structures, disrupt microbial communities, and influence viral life cycles, making them promising tools against emerging infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Antonella Antonelli, Mauro Magnani
Summary: SPION have been approved for human use and are now moving towards more complex structures optimized for different imaging modalities and therapeutic applications, thanks to the contributions of Prof. Krishnan M. Kannan in understanding the role of various parameters in shaping SPIO function. New cell-based SPIO constructs have also been optimized to maintain biocompatibility and prevent cell damage while maintaining cell functionality.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Tommaso Balestra, Maria Cristina Manara, Maria Antonella Laginestra, Michela Pasello, Alessandra De Feo, Cristian Bassi, Clara Guerzoni, Lorena Landuzzi, Pier-Luigi Lollini, Davide Maria Donati, Massimo Negrini, Mauro Magnani, Katia Scotlandi
Summary: The modulation of CD99 in Ewing sarcoma may alter transcriptional dysregulation and affect the development of the tumor by controlling the zyxin-GLI1 axis.
MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giulia Baldelli, Mattia Paolo Aliano, Giulia Amagliani, Mauro Magnani, Giorgio Brandi, Carmelo Pennino, Giuditta Fiorella Schiavano
Summary: Improving indoor air quality is crucial for protecting human health, especially in public transportation. This study developed a continuous sanitation air system based on UV-C LED and ionizer technology, which demonstrated high efficacy in microbial killing and is suitable for public transportation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Marta De Angelis, Donatella Amatore, Paola Checconi, Alessandra Zevini, Alessandra Fraternale, Mauro Magnani, John Hiscott, Giovanna De Chiara, Anna Teresa Palamara, Lucia Nencioni
Summary: Influenza virus infection reduces G6PD expression and activity, leading to increased oxidative stress and virus replication. Modulation of G6PD during viral infection may affect redox homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Mirco Compagnone, Eleonora Pinto, Erika Salvatori, Lucia Lione, Antonella Conforti, Silvia Marchese, Micol Rava, Kathryn Ryan, Yper Hall, Emma Rayner, Francisco J. Salguero, Jemma Paterson, Matteo Iannacone, Raffaele De Francesco, Luigi Aurisicchio, Fabio Palombo
Summary: The researchers developed a genetic vaccine called COVID-eVax based on plasmid DNA and demonstrated the importance of T-cell immunity in controlling viral spread, in addition to neutralizing antibody activity, by analyzing the correlation between immune responses and the evolution of viral infection in animal experiments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Fraternale, Marta De Angelis, Riccardo De Santis, Donatella Amatore, Sofia Masini, Francesca Monittola, Michele Menotta, Federica Biancucci, Francesca Bartoccini, Michele Retini, Valentina Fiori, Raoul Fioravanti, Fabio Magurano, Laura Chiarantini, Florigio Lista, Giovanni Piersanti, Anna T. Palamara, Lucia Nencioni, Mauro Magnani, Rita Crinelli
Summary: The life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 is influenced by the environmental redox state, with a reducing environment impairing spike protein binding to ACE2 and an oxidizing environment promoting their interaction. Synthetic low molecular weight thiols induce a more reduced state in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein, impairing ACE2 binding and interfering with protein folding and viral replication. These thiols could potentially serve as innovative anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sara Biagiotti, Faiza Abbas, Mariele Montanari, Chiara Barattini, Luigia Rossi, Mauro Magnani, Stefano Papa, Barbara Canonico
Summary: This article provides an overview of extracellular vesicles (EVs) nature, features, methodologies for isolation/preparation, and characterization/visualization. EVs have extensive applications in nanomedical-drug delivery and regenerative medicine, offering advantages over synthetic vehicles or nanoparticles. The article particularly focuses on red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs), discussing their biogenesis, isolation/production methods, and therapeutic applications. RBCEVs show promise as a versatile platform for clinical applications and pharmaceutical exploitations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonella Antonelli, Emanuele Salvatore Scarpa, Santina Bruzzone, Cecilia Astigiano, Francesco Piacente, Michela Bruschi, Alessandra Fraternale, Christian A. A. Di Buduo, Alessandra Balduini, Mauro Magnani
Summary: Sinusoidal endothelial cells in the bone marrow play a crucial role in supporting the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by providing necessary signals for their self-renewal, survival, and differentiation. However, the low oxygen tension in the bone marrow affects these functions. In this study, we investigated how endothelial cells respond to a decrease in oxygen levels and found that the expression of certain genes involved in intercellular communication is regulated by SIRT6 under extreme hypoxic conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cecilia Astigiano, Francesco Piacente, Maria Elena Laugieri, Andrea Benzi, Christian A. A. Di Buduo, Carolina P. P. Miguel, Debora Soncini, Michele Cea, Antonella Antonelli, Mauro Magnani, Alessandra Balduini, Antonio De Flora, Santina Bruzzone
Summary: SIRT6, a member of the sirtuin family, plays an emerging role in anti-inflammatory processes in various diseases and cell types, including endothelial cells. Overexpression of SIRT6 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (SIRT6+ HUVECs) was found to affect adhesion molecule levels and promote megakaryocyte proliferation and proplatelet formation. Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory activation of the ATP/purinergic axis was reduced in SIRT6+ HUVECs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Chiara Orlandi, Giuseppe Stefanetti, Simone Barocci, Gloria Buffi, Aurora Diotallevi, Ettore Rocchi, Marcello Ceccarelli, Sara Peluso, Daniela Vandini, Eugenio Carlotti, Mauro Magnani, Luca Galluzzi, Anna Casabianca
Summary: The humoral response after vaccination was compared in individuals who received different COVID-19 vaccine schedules. Heterologous vaccination induced a stronger immune response than the two homologous vaccinations. The ChAd/BNT vaccine schedule exhibited the longest time of anti-S IgG negativization and slow decay of the titer over time. Factors such as vaccine schedule and BMI had a significant impact on the immune response.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marilena Agosta, Daniela Bencardino, Marta Argentieri, Laura Pansani, Annamaria Sisto, Marta Luisa Ciofi Degli Atti, Carmen D'Amore, Pietro Bagolan, Barbara Daniela Iacobelli, Mauro Magnani, Massimiliano Raponi, Carlo Federico Perno, Francesca Andreoni, Paola Bernaschi
Summary: A rapid and unexpected spread of NDM-1 carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli cases were reported in a neonatal surgical unit in Rome, Italy. A total of 20 strains (8 K. pneumoniae and 12 E. coli) with NDM-1 gene were isolated from 17 out of 230 stool samples collected from neonates admitted in the ward. Infection control interventions prevented the dissemination of the strains in the ward.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Francesco Palma, Giulia Baldelli, Giulia Amagliani, Mattia Paolo Aliano, Mauro Magnani, Giorgio Brandi, Giuditta Fiorella Schiavano
Summary: The beneficial effects of physical activity may be compromised by reduced indoor air quality in confined sports environments. However, the use of UV-C LED technology can significantly reduce the airborne microbial load and provide hygienic and ecological advantages. A new eco-friendly technology called 'CSA System technology' was integrated into an innovative continuous sanitation air device and demonstrated high efficacy in eliminating airborne microorganisms, making it a promising solution for efficient and healthy sanitation in indoor sports environments.
INDOOR AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica De Castro, Erika Stefano, Francesco Paolo Fanizzi, Riccardo Di Corato, Pasant Abdalla, Francesca Luchetti, Maria Gemma Nasoni, Rosaria Rinaldi, Mauro Magnani, Michele Benedetti, Antonella Antonelli
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of loading platinum-based nucleoside derivatives into human red blood cells and found that these complexes are stable and suitable for incorporation. This opens up new possibilities for incorporating other metalated nucleobase analogues with potential antitumor and/or antiviral activity into red blood cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tania Vanzolini, Tomas Di Mambro, Mauro Magnani, Michele Menotta
Summary: Fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, are a growing concern due to the rise of drug resistance. The Candida genus, particularly C. auris, poses a severe threat to public health. H5K1, a monoclonal antibody, has shown potential in targeting Candida species, especially C. auris, when combined with existing antifungal drugs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to assess the effects of H5K1, alone and in combination with other drugs, on C. auris cells, revealing its role in perturbing the fungal cell wall and altering its composition, stiffness, and roughness.
