Dear Colleagues,

The focus of this Special Issue is fungal infections and the potential antifungal strategies that can be used to combat them. Commensal fungal species can transform into invasive pathogens if the host’s immune system is weakened. The inhalation of large quantities of some fungi, particularly pathogenic species, can cause disease in even healthy hosts.

Fungi contribute to approximately 1.5 million deaths and 1.7 billion superficial infections yearly, presenting a significant economic challenge. Some studies have suggested that there is a link between fungal colonization and the advancement of diseases like pancreatic cancer and alcoholic cirrhosis. This is in addition to the potential of fungal infections to cause acute or chronic illnesses.

Currently, only a limited number of suitable drugs are available that combat fungal infections. Specifically, these fall into four drug classes: polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and pyrimidines. 

However, fungi have developed resistance to drugs in all of these classes, highlighting the need for new strategies in the fight against fungal infections.

It is therefore necessary to synthesize novel drugs, revisit old compounds, or develop agents that target and potentially block fungal virulence factors. Another option would be to combine several drugs for enhanced efficacy.  

This Special Issue aims to showcase current research investigating novel antifungal compounds; in vitro and in vivo studies elucidating their properties are both welcome. We cordially invite prominent researchers in the field to contribute original unpublished articles, or those that are still being reviewed by other journals prior to their dissemination, integration, and promotion. The publication of articles within this specific edition aims to furnish a platform for researchers to share their latest discoveries and grant publicity to published materials amongst the scientific community. Our aspiration is that the publication of this Special Issue will enhance knowledge and inspire novel collaborations as well as new directions in research.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Novel antifungal compounds;
• The mechanisms of action of antifungal compounds;
• The use of nanoparticles to deliver fungicidal compounds;
• Natural compounds and conventional therapy combination approaches;
• Pharmacological evidence for antifungal activity (in vitro, in vivo, and in silico);

Multiple methodological approaches may be employed to determine the antifungal properties and activity of these novel compounds, as well as to investigate drug resistance phenomena.

Dr. Letizia Angiolella
Guest Editor

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• fungal Infection
• antifungal
• drug resistance
• antifungal compounds
• immune system