Effect of beta-1,6-glucan inhibitors on the invasion process of Candida albicans: potential mechanism of their in vivo efficacy.

ABSTRACT: Beta-1,6-glucan is a fungus-specific cell wall component that is essential for the retention of many cell wall proteins. We recently reported the discovery of a small molecule inhibitor of beta-1,6-glucan biosynthesis in yeasts. In the course of our study of its derivatives, we found a unique feature in their antifungal profile. D21-6076, one of these compounds, exhibited potent in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities against Candida glabrata. Interestingly, although it only weakly reduced the growth of Candida albicans in conventional media, it significantly prolonged the survival of mice infected by the pathogen. Biochemical evaluation of D21-6076 indicated that it inhibited beta-1,6-glucan synthesis of C. albicans, leading the cell wall proteins, which play a critical role in its vir

SUBMITTER: Kitamura A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2737848 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature