Immunomodulatory Effects of the Tobacco Defensin NaD1.

Defensins are important components of the innate plant immune system, exhibiting antimicrobial activity against phytopathogens, as well as against fungi pathogenic to humans. Along with antifungal activity, plant defensins are also capable of influencing various immune processes, but not much is known about these effects. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of the tobacco defensin NaD1, which possesses a pronounced antifungal activity.

Antifungal Plant Defensins as an Alternative Tool to Combat Candidiasis.

Currently, the spread of fungal infections is becoming an urgent problem. Fungi of the genus are opportunistic microorganisms that cause superficial and life-threatening systemic candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. The list of antifungal drugs for the treatment of candidiasis is very limited, while the prevalence of resistant strains is growing rapidly.