Interplay between Antifungal Resistance and Virulence: Potential Novel Targets and Therapeutic Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

A complex interplay exists between antifungal resistance and virulence expressed by pathogenic fungi. Antifungal drugs currently on the market are limited, if compared to antibacterials, due to selective toxicity, costs, difficulties in therapeutic administration, and ineffectiveness, posing a serious challenge for clinicians. In addition, the widespread use of first-line common antifungals has led to a rise in the isolation frequency of drug resistance strains. The appearance of multi-drug resistant fungal species such as Candida auris has further complicated this scenario, highlighting a concerning need for new compound and target discovery. Comparative genomic studies have indicated several new potential antifungal targets which are currently under scrutiny. Among those, factors involved in virulence and pathogensis could provide new insights for the development of novel antifungal compounds.

This issue focuses on antifungal drug resistance mechanisms in clinically relevant fungal species as well as potential new targets and innovative therapeutic strategies to control fungal infections.

Prof. Dr. Arianna Tavanti
Guest Editor

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