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Hitting the Sweet Spot: Glycans as Targets of Fungal Defense Effector Proteins

Summary

This research examines how fungi defend themselves against threats using proteins that target sugar molecules on the surface of their enemies. This natural defense system has evolved to be highly efficient and specific. Impact on everyday life: – Could lead to development of new antibiotics and antifungal medications – Helps understand how to protect crops from fungal diseases – Provides insights into developing new pest control strategies – Could inspire new approaches to food preservation – Advances our understanding of natural immune systems

Background

Organisms relying solely on innate defense systems must combat many antagonists with a limited number of defense effector molecules. As a solution, they have evolved effector molecules targeting conserved epitopes between different antagonists of specific taxa. These target epitopes should be taxon-specific and easily accessible. Glycans fulfill these requirements and are therefore preferred targets of defense effector molecules, particularly defense proteins.

Objective

This review examines fungal defense strategies using glycan-targeting proteins against microbial competitors and animal predators, focusing on the defense system of multicellular (filamentous) fungi.

Results

The review identifies several classes of fungal defense proteins including defensins, lysozymes, lectins, and other glycan-binding proteins. These proteins target specific glycoepitopes on antagonist cell surfaces or digestive tracts. The targeting strategies generally fall into two categories: targeting highly conserved glycoepitopes of cell wall biosynthesis intermediates, or targeting variable glycoepitopes on cell surfaces.

Conclusion

Glycan-binding proteins serve as key effectors in fungal innate defense systems against various antagonists. These proteins must function under harsh conditions and are often stabilized by disulfide bridges or protease inhibitors. This defense strategy reveals novel antimicrobial and cytotoxic mechanisms that could lead to development of new antibiotics, antifungals or antihelminthics for clinical or agricultural use.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules20058144
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