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