Ehinokandiinid

Ehinokandiinid, also known as the Echinocandins, are a class of antifungal agents that inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. They are particularly effective against fungi that are resistant to other antifungal drugs, such as Candida species and Aspergillus species. Ehinokandiinid drugs work by binding to the lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase enzyme, which is essential for the fungal cell's ability to produce ergosterol. This inhibition leads to the accumulation of lanosterol, disrupting the fungal cell membrane and ultimately causing cell death. The most well-known member of this class is caspofungin, which is used to treat invasive fungal infections. Ehinokandiinids are typically administered intravenously and have a relatively short half-life, requiring frequent dosing. They are generally well-tolerated, but like all antifungal drugs, they can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and infusion-related reactions. Resistance to ehinokandiinids is a growing concern, particularly in Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungus that has emerged as a significant healthcare threat. Ongoing research is focused on developing new ehinokandiinid derivatives and combination therapies to combat this resistance.