DectiSomes: C-type lectin receptor-targeted liposomes as pan-antifungal drugs

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2023 May:196:114776. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114776. Epub 2023 Mar 17.

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.

Keywords: Antifungals; Dectins; Fungal pathogens; Targeted drug delivery; Therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lectins, C-Type / therapeutic use
  • Liposomes
  • Mycoses* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Liposomes
  • Lectins, C-Type