what two compounds can be targeted by antifungals?
chitin and ergosterol
Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections. They work by targeting specific compounds in fungal cells, which either kill the fungus or inhibit its growth. Two such compounds targeted by antifungals are:
1. Ergosterol: Ergosterol is a sterol found in the cell membranes of fungal organisms. Antifungal drugs that target ergosterol are called azoles. They inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, leading to weakened fungal cell membranes and cell death. Examples of azole antifungals include fluconazole and ketoconazole.
2. β-glucan: β-glucan is a complex polysaccharide found in the cell wall of many fungal species. Antifungal drugs that target β-glucan are called echinocandins. They inhibit the synthesis of β-glucan, leading to weakened fungal cell walls and cell death. Examples of echinocandin antifungals include caspofungin and micafungin.
It is noteworthy that some antifungal drugs target other components of fungal cells such as nucleic acids and microtubules.
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