Multivalent inhibition of the fumigatus KDNase.

is a saprophytic fungus and opportunistic pathogen often causing fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. Recently KDNAse, an exoglycosidase hydrolyzing 3-deoxy-D-galacto-D--nonulosonic acid (KDN), a rare sugar from the sialic acid family, was identified and characterized. The principal function of KDNAse is still unclear, but a study suggests a critical role in fungal cell wall morphology and virulence.