DectiSomes: C-type lectin receptor-targeted liposomes as pan-antifungal drugs

Combatting the ever-increasing threat from invasive fungal pathogens faces numerous fundamental chal-lenges, including constant human exposure to large reservoirs of species in the environment, the increas-ing population of immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals, the unsatisfactory efficacy of current antifungal drugs and their associated toxicity, and the scientific and economic barriers limiting a new antifungal pipeline. DectiSomes represent a new drug delivery platform that enhances antifungal efficacy for diverse fungal pathogens and reduces host toxicity for current and future antifungals. DectiSomes employ pathogen receptor proteins -C-type lectins -to target drug-loaded liposomes to conserved fungal cognate ligands and away from host cells. DectiSomes represent one leap forward for urgently needed effective pan-antifungal therapy. Herein, we discuss the problems of battling fungal dis-eases and the state of DectiSome development. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Combatting the increasing threat from invasive fungal pathogens faces challenges such as human exposure to species in the environment, immunocompromised individuals, unsatisfactory efficacy of current drugs, and barriers to new drug development. DectiSomes, a new drug delivery platform, enhance antifungal efficacy and reduce toxicity by targeting fungal ligands using pathogen receptor proteins. DectiSomes represent a leap forward for effective pan-antifungal therapy. The article discusses the problems of fungal diseases and the development of DectiSomes.