Therapies and Vaccines Based on Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Systemic Fungal Infections

Abstract

Treatment modalities for systemic mycoses are still limited. Currently, the main antifungal therapeutics include polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins. However, even in the setting of appropriate administration of antifungals, mortality rates remain unacceptably high. Moreover, antifungal therapy is expensive, treatment periods can range from weeks to years, and toxicity is also a serious concern. In recent years, the increased number of immunocompromised individuals has contributed to the high global incidence of systemic fungal infections. Given the high morbidity and mortality rates, the complexity of treatment strategies, drug toxicity, and the worldwide burden of disease, there is a need for new and efficient therapeutic means to combat invasive mycoses. One promising avenue that is actively being pursued is nanotechnology, to develop new antifungal therapies and efficient vaccines, since it allows for a targeted delivery of drugs and antigens, which can reduce toxicity and treatment costs. The goal of this review is to discuss studies using nanoparticles to develop new therapeutic options, including vaccination methods, to combat systemic mycoses caused by Candida sp., Cryptococcus sp., Paracoccidioides sp., Histoplasma sp., Coccidioides sp., and Aspergillus sp., in addition to providing important information on the use of different types of nanoparticles, nanocarriers and their corresponding mechanisms of action.

Development of Nano-Antifungal Therapy for Systemic and Endemic Mycoses

“…For example, Ag NPs can inhibit the growth of some, but not all, fungal strains. Another example indicates that the preparation of ketoconazole-loaded chitosan–gellan gum nanoparticles are more effective against Aspergillus niger than unmodified NPs and ketoconazole alone [ 42 , 43 ]. Current findings are not contradictory: the differences arise from the lack of uniformity in the experimental conditions among research groups.…”

In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of Peptides Derived from 14-3-3 Paracoccidioides spp. Protein

“…Considering these factors, the search for alternatives to prevention and treatment is urgent. Different approaches have been investigated in the search for a safe and effective immunization or vaccination therapy for invasive mycoses such as the use of monoclonal antibodies [ 55 ], peptide vaccine [ 56 , 57 ], vaccines based on nanotechnology [ 58 ], and DNA vaccine [ 59 ].…”

Progress in the Application of Nanoparticles and Graphene as Drug Carriers and on the Diagnosis of Brain Infections

“…In this regard, the use of nonbacteriolytic antibiotics and adjuvant inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase appears to be promising. The advance of nanotechnology has shown both nanosensor diagnosis and nanomaterial treatment to be efficient strategies for the healing of brain infections and meningitis [7]. The simple synthetic method, easy functionalization, capability of crossing cell membranes, increased drug release at the site of infection due to higher surface-to-volume ratio, ability to kill the pathogens by inhibiting multiple bacteriological targets, and, most importantly, the biological safety are some characteristic features of the nanoparticles.…”