Liporagi Lopes, L. C. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2021

Bionized nanoferrite particles alter the course of experimental Cryptococcus neoformans pneumonia

Cryptococcosis is a devastating fungal disease associated with high morbidity and mortality even when treated with antifungal drugs. Bionized nanoferrite (BNF) nanoparticles are powerful immunomodulators, but their efficacy for infectious diseases has not been investigated. Administration of BNF nanoparticles to mice with experimental cryptococcal pneumonia altered the outcome of infection in a dose response manner as measured by colony forming units and survival. The protective effects were higher at lower doses, with reductions in IL-2, IL-4 and TNF-, consistent with immune modulation whereby reductions in inflammation translate into reduced host damage, clearance of infection and longer survival.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Antifungal activity of 2,3-diphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1,3-thiaza-4-ones against two human pathogenic fungi

Invasive fungal diseases are prevalent in immunocompromised individuals in whom current therapies often provide suboptimal results. Additionally, the increased resistance to the available antifungal drugs necessitates a search for new compounds. This study reports the antifungal activity of six 5-, 6-, and 7-membered 2,3-diphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1,3-thiaza-4-ones against Lomentospora prolificans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Our data showed that some of the compounds tested had a low MIC and damage on the cell surface of the tested fungal species.

microbiology↗