Fungal cytochrome oxidases and peroxidases

Fungal cytochrome oxidases and peroxidases are a group of heme-containing enzymes essential for the survival and virulence of fungal pathogens [1, 2]. This group includes mitochondrial respiratory chain components like the cytochrome bc1 complex (Complex III) and cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV), as well as enzymes involved in managing oxidative stress, such as cytochrome c peroxidase [1, 10]. These enzymes play a dual role: they are critical for generating the energy (ATP) required for cellular processes and for protecting the fungus from reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during metabolism or host immune responses [2, 10]. In clinical pharmacology, this target set is specifically associated with the mechanism of action of certain antifungal agents, most notably the imidazole fenticonazole, which inhibits these enzymes as a secondary effect to its primary inhibition of ergosterol synthesis [8, 9]. By blocking these oxidases and peroxidases, drugs can induce a state of oxidative cytotoxicity and energy depletion, leading to the rapid death of the fungal cell [9, 12].

Other names

Fungal mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymesHeme-containing fungal enzymesMitochondrial oxidoreductases

Inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and peroxidase-mediated antioxidant systems.