Sulfur Metabolism as a Promising Source of New Antifungal Targets

Fungal infections are a growing threat to human health. Despite their clinical relevance, there is a surprisingly limited availability of clinically approved antifungal agents, which is seriously aggravated by the recent appearance and fast spread of drug resistance. It is therefore clear that there is an urgent need for novel and efficient antifungals. In this context, metabolism is recognized as a promising source for new antifungal targets and, indeed, there are new drugs in development that target metabolic pathways. Fungal sulfur metabolism is particularly interesting, as many of its processes are essential for viability and/or pathogenicity and it shows substantial differences with human metabolism. This short-review will summarize our current knowledge of sulfur-related genes and routes that are important for Aspergillus fumigatus virulence, which consequently could be pursued for drug development.

Automated summary

Fungal infections pose an increasing threat to human health, and the limited availability of clinically approved antifungal agents, coupled with the rise of drug resistance, calls for the development of novel and efficient antifungals. This article summarizes the current knowledge of sulfur-related genes and pathways in Aspergillus fumigatus virulence, highlighting their potential as targets for drug development.