Aim: To perform the proteomic profile of Paracoccidioides lutzii after treatment with the compound camphene thiosemicarbazide (TSC-C) in order to study its mode of action.
Methods: Proteomic analysis was carried out after cells were incubated with TSC-C in a subinhibitory concentration. Validation of the proteomic results comprised the azocasein assay, western blot and determination of the susceptibility of a mutant to the compound.
Results: Proteins related to metabolism, energy and protein fate were regulated after treatment. In addition, TSC-C reduces the proteolytic activity of the protein extract similarly to different types of protease inhibitors.
Conclusion: TSC-C showed encouraging antifungal activity, working as a protease inhibitor and downregulating important pathways impairing the ability of the fungi cells to produce important precursors.
Keywords: Paracoccidioides; antifungal; camphene thiosemicarbazide.