Antifungal activity of Rhopalurus crassicauda venom against Candida spp.

Author(s)

Zottich, Umberto ; de Oliveira, Isadora Sousa ; Fereira, Isabela Gobbo ; Cerni, Felipe Augusto ; Figueiredo, Bordon Karla de Castro ; Arantes, Eliane Candiani ; Gomes, Valdirene Moreira ; Dias, Germana Bueno ; Pucca, Manuela Berto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TOXICON-X; v. 14, p. 4-pg., 2022-06-01.

Abstract

Fungal infections are becoming a serious problem of human diseases, being one of the most important fungal pathogens the yeast of the genus Candida. So far, fungal infection treatment faces different challenges, including the limited number of therapeutic drugs. Scorpions are known to be a valuable source of biologically active molecules, especially of peptide-derived molecules with a variety of biological effects and useful, lead compounds for drugs development. Here, we pioneer described the antifungal effect of venom, mucus, and the major toxin (Rc1) from Rhopalurus crassicauda scorpion. These results support the potential for Rc1 to be further investigated as a novel antifungal therapeutic to treat Candida infections. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/13176-3 - Human monoclonal antibodies (scFv) discovery with cross-reactivity and pH-dependent to metalloproteases from Bothrops spp
• Grantee: Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral