Antiviral Agents from Fungi: Diversity, Mechanisms and Potential Applications

Author: mycolabadmin
2018-10-02
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Summary

This research examines how fungi can be used to develop new antiviral medications. Fungi produce many natural compounds that can fight viral infections in different ways. The study shows that both edible mushrooms and microscopic fungi contain molecules that could potentially be developed into new antiviral drugs. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to new treatments for common viral infections like flu and herpes • May provide alternatives to existing antiviral medications • Highlights the medical potential of common edible mushrooms • Shows the importance of preserving fungal biodiversity for medical research • Could result in more affordable antiviral treatments derived from natural sources

Background

Viral infections are among the most common diseases worldwide, with limited vaccines and antivirals available to combat them. New viruses continue to emerge, creating an urgent need for novel antiviral treatments. Fungi represent a vast potential source of bioactive molecules that could be developed into antiviral agents. Both edible mushrooms and endophytic fungi, particularly those from marine environments, have demonstrated promising antiviral properties through various compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, and secondary metabolites.

Objective

This review aims to summarize current knowledge of fungi as producers of antiviral compounds and discuss their potential applications. The study specifically investigates how antiviral action has been assessed and examines what is known about molecular mechanisms and actual targets. It also highlights the importance of accurate fungal species identification in natural products research.

Results

The review found that antiviral compounds have been primarily identified from two major fungal phyla – Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Ascomycota produced mainly secondary metabolites, while Basidiomycota yielded high-molecular weight compounds. Various mechanisms of antiviral action were identified, including direct effects on viral particles, inhibition of viral adsorption, and interference with viral replication. The study revealed that only 3-8% of existing fungal species have been investigated for bioactive properties.

Conclusion

Fungi represent a largely untapped source of potential antiviral compounds. While numerous fungal-derived compounds have shown promising antiviral activity, none have yet been approved for antiviral treatment. More detailed research on molecular targets and mechanisms of action is needed. The standardization of biosynthesis methods and accurate species identification are crucial for future drug development.

Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02325