Fungal cell wall components and surface lectins (FCW-SL)

Fungal pathogen cell wall components and surface lectins represent a complex structural and functional matrix essential for the survival, integrity, and virulence of fungi. The cell wall is primarily composed of polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, chitin, and mannoproteins, which provide mechanical strength and protection against osmotic pressure. Surface lectins and adhesins, such as the Agglutinin-like sequence (Als) proteins, facilitate the attachment of the pathogen to host tissues and the formation of biofilms, which are critical for establishing infection. Because these components are largely absent in human cells, they serve as ideal targets for selective antifungal therapy. Drugs like echinocandins and triterpenoids specifically inhibit the synthesis of beta-1,3-glucan, leading to cell wall instability and lysis. Additionally, these components act as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are recognized by the host's innate immune system through pattern recognition receptors like Dectin-1.

Other names

Fungal cell wallFungal cell surface antigensFungal adhesinsFungal PAMPsPathogen-associated molecular patterns

Inhibition of beta-1,3-glucan synthase; Inhibition of chitin synthase; Inhibition of GWT1 (GPI-anchor biosynthesis); Competitive inhibition of adhesin-ligand binding.