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Exploring the Potential of Farnesol as a Novel Antifungal Drug and Related Challenges

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Farnesol (FOH) is a quorum-sensing molecule with potential as an antifungal drug. Given the growing concern about fungal drug resistance, exploring new solutions is crucial. Therefore, summarizing the antifungal activity of FOH is expected to be the basis for further FOH research and application. Herein, we reviewed the in vitro and in vivo antifungal efficacy of FOH alone and in combination with conventional antifungal drugs, as well as its mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we discussed the prospects and challenges of the FOH application in detail.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have revealed that FOH can target various aspects, such as reactive oxygen species production, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of virulence factors, to inhibit fungal growth and reduce fungal pathogenicity, thereby exerting its antifungal activity. Furthermore, FOH can suppress resistance-associated genes, such as those of biofilm and ergosterol, so as to enhance the fungicidal effectiveness of conventional antifungal drugs. However, the action mechanism of FOH on drug efflux pumps remains unclear and warrants further investigation.

Summary

FOH can prevent and treat fungal infections. It exerts significant antimicrobial effects on fungal planktonic and biofilm cells, enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of conventional antifungal drugs, and reverses and reduces fungal drug resistance. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to assess the safety of FOH due to potential adverse effects on immune cells and other factors.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the reviewers who participated in the review, as well as MJEditor (www.mjeditor.com) for providing English editing services during the preparation of this manuscript. The authors wish to thank Dr. Kenneth Nickerson for reviewing their manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the Health Commission of Sichuan Province (20PJ163) and the Department of Science and Technology of Sichuan Province (2022JDRC0139).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China

    Dongming Zheng, Linlan Yang, Yuxin Bai & Yan Li

  2. Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China

    Jiangyan Yong

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Conceptualization: Dongming Zheng and Yan Li; Original Draft Preparation: Dongming Zheng and Yan Li; Writing Review and Editing: Dongming Zheng, Linlan Yang, Yuxin Bai, Jiangyan Yong, and Yan Li. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Zheng, D., Yang, L., Bai, Y. et al. Exploring the Potential of Farnesol as a Novel Antifungal Drug and Related Challenges. Curr Infect Dis Rep 26, 123–135 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-024-00839-7

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