5+1 Polyene Scaffold Uncouples Antifungal Potency from Host Toxicity

Researchers have designed a 5+1 polyene scaffold that selectively recognizes the conjugated diene structure of ergosterol, the key sterol in fungal membranes. By targeting this structural feature, the new scaffold preserves antifungal potency while reducing the host toxicity that has long limited classic polyene antifungals. The work, published in Science Translational Medicine, establishes a scaffold design strategy for separating efficacy from toxicity in this drug class and points a way toward safer polyene-based treatments. Preclinical validation in humans has not been reported, and the path from scaffold design to clinical candidate remains open.

Written by a model from the reports · updated 3 hours ago