A modified form of the antifungal agent Amphotericin B (AmB) displays reduced toxicity in both human kidney cells and mice, while maintaining potent antimicrobial properties, as revealed in a Nature publication. By altering specific parts of the AmB molecule, researchers designed analogues to investigate their impact on biological activity. They found that AmB’s toxicity in renal cells was attributed to its binding and extraction of cholesterol. By crafting a variant that selectively targets fungal ergosterol without affecting mammalian cholesterol, named AM-2-19, the compound exhibited reduced kidney cell toxicity, heightened antifungal efficacy, and resilience to antimicrobial resistance. This innovation could potentially enhance the safety and effectiveness of antifungal treatments, offering promise in combating deadly fungal infections.
Structurally Modified Antifungal Agent Shows Reduced Toxicity
![](https://affairsace-media.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/2023/11/12215650/Flyer-photo-860x484.jpg)