Glutathione-mediated redox regulation in Cryptococcus neoformans impacts virulence.

The fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is well adapted to its host environment. It has several defence mechanisms to evade oxidative and nitrosative agents released by phagocytic host cells during infection. Among them, melanin production is linked to both fungal virulence and defence against harmful free radicals that facilitate host innate immunity.

Nitric oxide-loaded nano- and microparticle platforms serving as potential new antifungal therapeutics.

Fungal diseases are a leading threat to human health, especially in individuals with compromised immunity. Although there have been recent important advances in antifungal drug development, antifungal resistance, drug-drug interactions and difficulties in delivery remain major challenges. Among its pleiotropic actions, nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule in host defense.

Advances in Fungal Peptide Vaccines.

Vaccination is one of the greatest public health achievements in the past century, protecting and improving the quality of life of the population worldwide. However, a safe and effective vaccine for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of fungal infections is not yet available. The lack of a vaccine for fungi is a problem of increasing importance as the incidence of diverse species, including , and , has increased in recent decades and new drug-resistant pathogenic fungi are emerging.

Proanthocyanidin polymeric tannins from Stryphnodendron adstringens are effective against Candida spp. isolates and for vaginal candidiasis treatment.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The stem bark of Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville is popularly used as anti-inflammatory, astringent and in the treatment of wounds and vaginal infections. Several pharmacological activities have been scientifically proven by in vitro and in vivo experimental assays for antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoan, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.