The fungal resistome: a risk and an opportunity for the development of novel antifungal therapies

Future Med Chem. 2016 Aug;8(12):1503-20. doi: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0051. Epub 2016 Aug 3.

Abstract

The risks for toxicity of novel antifungal compounds, together with the emergence of resistance, makes the use of inhibitors of resistance, in combination with antifungal compounds, a suitable strategy for developing novel antifungal formulations. Among them, inhibitors of efflux pumps are suitable candidates. Increasing drug influx or interfering with the stress response may also improve the efficacy of antifungals. Therapies as induction of fungal apoptosis or immunostimulation are also good strategies for reducing the risks for resistance and to improve antifungals' efficacy. Understanding the effect of the acquisition of resistance on the fungal physiology and determining the collateral sensitivity networks are useful for the development of novel strategies based on combination of antifungals for improving the efficacy of the therapy.

Keywords: chemosensitizer; clinical resistance; collateral sensitivity; inhibitor of resistance; intrinsic resistome.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal / drug effects*
  • Fungi / drug effects*
  • Fungi / physiology
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycoses / drug therapy*
  • Mycoses / microbiology*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents