Modulating bacterial proteins as novel resistance-proof treatments against Candida biofilms: therapeutic value against WHO Species.

Principal Investigator: 
Célia Fortuna Rodrigues
Leader Institution: 
1H-TOXRUN-CESPU
Research Team: 
Célia Fortuna Rodrigues (PI); Francisco Silva (Co-PI); Gordon Ramage; Asaf Levy; Darla Goeres; Francisco Silva
Funding entity: 
CESPU
Budget: 
5 180,33 €
Period covered: 
01.09.2026 - 31.08.2027
Abstract: 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to global health. Fungi such as Candida have been constantly neglected in clinical practice and research, yet are responsible for 1.5 million deaths/year, soon exceeding malaria and tuberculosis. With only three classes of antifungal drugs and 80% of cases producing biofilms with 1000x higher resistance, the treatment of these infections has become increasingly difficult and ineffective due to rising cases of multi/pan-resistance. Therefore, modular bacterial proteins (PBMP) represent an innovative, "resistance-proof" solution, developed through cutting-edge bioengineering. Still, their efficacy against Candida biofilms remains completely unknown, which is a critical translational gap. The CANDIDATE project evaluates, for the first time, PBMP against Candida biofilms in the five FFPL WHO priority species, determining efficacy and resistance evolution.

Program: 
G12-CESPU-2026