A Report on Fungal (1→3)-α-d-glucans: Properties, Functions and Application

Abstract

The cell walls of fungi are composed of glycoproteins, chitin, and α- and β-glucans. Although there are many reports on β-glucans, α-glucan polysaccharides are not yet fully understood. This review characterizes the physicochemical properties and functions of (1→3)-α-d-glucans. Particular attention has been paid to practical application and the effect of glucans in various respects, taking into account unfavourable effects and potential use. The role of α-glucans in plant infection has been proven, and collected facts have confirmed the characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus infection associated with the presence of glucan in fungal cell wall. Like β-glucans, there are now evidence that α-glucans can also stimulate the immune system. Moreover, α-d-glucans have the ability to induce mutanases and can thus decompose plaque.

Rezafungin—Mechanisms of Action, Susceptibility and Resistance: Similarities and Differences with the Other Echinocandins

“…There are different chemical classes of fungal glucan synthesis inhibitors including lipopeptides (pneumocandins and echinocandins), glycolipids (papulocandins) [ 5 ], and triterpenoids (ibrexafungerp) [ 6 ]. Several compounds were evaluated to establish their antifungal potency and toxicity and even some molecules were subjected to clinical trials.…”

“…In 1974, the first echinocandin-like compound was isolated from Aspergillus nidulans var. echinulatus [ 5 , 6 ]. It was named echinocandin B and it became the precedent compound for anidulafungin (LY303366) [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…echinulatus [ 5 , 6 ]. It was named echinocandin B and it became the precedent compound for anidulafungin (LY303366) [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Fifteen year later, pneumocandin was isolated from Lophium arboricola (homotypic synonym: Zalerion arboricola ) and it became the compound leading to caspofungin (MK991) [ 8 ].…”

“…Caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin have a fatty-acyl, an isoxazole 3,5-diphenyl-subtituted, and alkoxytriphenyl side chains, respectively [ 10 , 15 ] ( Figure 1 ). When these side chains are removed by deacetylation, the cyclic core showed no antifungal activity, demonstrating its essentiality for echinocandin activity [ 6 ].…”

“…Fungal cell wall is an extracellular matrix composed by an inner layer consisting of carbohydrate polymers and an outer layer of glycoproteins [ 22 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. The main carbohydrates of the fungal cell wall are the β-D-1,3-glucans and α-1,3-glucans accompanied by β-D-1,6-glucans and chitin [ 6 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. These carbohydrates constitute the so-called alkali-insoluble nucleus of the cell wall, which is common for most fungi [ 32 ].…”