Identification of substances with antifungal activity from the hemolymph and melanization nodules of Galleria mellonella immunized with Candida albicans

• Grant number: 24/04696-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Maíra Terra Garcia
• Grantee: Maíra Terra Garcia
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Gabriela Ramos Hurtado ; Juliana Campos Junqueira ; Leandra Santos Baptista

Abstract

Fungal infections are a relevant public health issue for Brazil and the world, with a significant increase in recent decades. These infections can affect different parts of the body, such as the skin, mucous membranes, lungs, and internal organs, causing symptoms ranging from simple skin lesions to severe and potentially fatal infections. Among fungal infections, candidiasis stands out due to its high prevalence and treatment limitations due to the toxicity and resistance of microorganisms to antifungals. This research project aims to investigate the antifungal effects of substances present in the hemolymph and melanization nodules of Galleria mellonella larvae after immunization by Candida albicans. To achieve this, the project will be carried out in 6 stages: 1- Standardization of C. albicans concentrations for larval immunization and collection times of hemolymph and melanization nodules. 2-Extraction of the material collected and identification of substances present in each fraction. 3-Testing of the antifungal activity of fractions in planktonic cultures of C. albicans, including sensitive and drug-resistant strains, and selection of one or two fractions with higher antifungal activity for subsequent assays. 4-Analysis of the effects of fractions on C. albicans biofilms in terms of cell viability and morphological structure. 5- Analysis of the antifungal activity and cytotoxic effects of fractions in a three-dimensional cellular model (3D). 6- Investigation of the mechanisms of action of fractions on C. albicans cells, including analysis of reactive oxygen species production and possible structural damage. The data obtained will undergo exploratory analysis to decide whether the adopted strategy will follow a parametric or non-parametric approach in inferential analysis. The results obtained may provide important data on the antifungal activity of fractions and their possible mechanisms of action, paving the way for the development of new compounds or therapies based on natural substances for the treatment of fungal infections resistant to conventional drugs. Additionally, evaluating the activity of fractions in different study models, including planktonic cultures, biofilms, persistent cells, and 3D cell cultures, will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of these antifungal substances at different stages of infection (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CARMO, PAULO HENRIQUE FONSECA; DE LIMA, PATRICIA MICHELLE NAGAI; SILVA, FABIANA ALVES; RIBEIRO, JAQUELINE LEMES; JUNQUEIRA, JULIANA CAMPOS; GARCIA, MAIRA TERRA. Impact of egg incubation on hemocyte recruitment and susceptibility of Galleria mellonella larvae to pathogens. FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY, v. 16, p. 12-pg., 2025-06-03. (24/04696-4)