Natural products and antifungal drug discovery

Methods Mol Med. 2005:118:83-109. doi: 10.1385/1-59259-943-5:083.

Abstract

The need for new antifungal agents continues, fueled by opportunistic infections in immune-compromised patients and by the development of resistance to existing agents. Natural products offer a virtually unlimited source of unique molecules and not only serve as a reservoir for new potential drugs and drug prototypes, but also for probes of fungal biology. In this chapter, whole-cell screening methods targeted for natural products are illustrated, including general microplate-based screening, bioautography, and mode of action studies, including the use of genetically altered fungal strains now available commercially.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biological Products / pharmacology*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal
  • Fungi / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / instrumentation
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Plant Extracts