An insight into new strategies and targets to combat antifungal resistance: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Antifungal drugs target specific components or processes within fungal cells to prevent or eliminate their growth. Various antifungal targets exist, including the cell membrane disrupted by drugs such as azoles and polyenes. The cell wall is also a common target, with drugs such as echinocandins inhibiting enzymes that synthesize or disrupt the structure. Ergosterol synthesis is another target that can be inhibited by drugs such as azoles. Drugs such as Fluconazole and flucytosine that target the synthesis of nucleic acids are essential for fungal cell growth and replication. Fungal mitochondria, vital for energy production, also target some antifungal drugs, such as griseofulvin. It's important to note that specific antifungal targets and their mechanisms of action vary based on the fungus being treated and the specific drug being used. In this review, the critical analysis of various research carried out from 2010, and the targets identified were studied and elaborated comprehensively. The review also highlights ongoing clinical trials and patent information on antifungal drugs. It provides narrative data for all the researchers working on developing antifungal drugs.

Keywords

• Benzimidazole
• Antifungal agents
• Minimum inhibitory concentration
• Antifungal patents
• Clinical trials