Fungus-targeted nanomicelles enable microRNA delivery for suppression of virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus as a novel antifungal approach
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 5/19/2025
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Summary
Researchers developed a new way to fight dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, which increasingly resists standard antifungal drugs. They used tiny molecules called microRNAs packaged in even tinier delivery vehicles to turn off genes that help the fungus survive. When these microRNAs were introduced, the fungus became much more vulnerable to the body’s immune system and to stress. This novel approach could eventually help treat infections that are otherwise difficult to cure.
Background
Aspergillus fumigatus causes invasive aspergillosis with high mortality rates and increasing azole resistance. Current antifungal drugs are limited to three main classes with moderate efficacy. MicroRNA-based therapeutics offer a novel approach to suppress fungal virulence factors.
Objective
To develop a novel antifungal strategy using microRNA delivery to suppress virulence factors in A. fumigatus. Specifically, to introduce miRNA mimics targeting alb1 gene involved in melanin synthesis and evaluate their effectiveness using fungus-targeted nanomicelles.
Results
miRNA mimics reduced alb1 expression 2-3.7 fold and decreased Alb1 protein by one-third. miRNA-treated conidia showed 20-25% reduced CFUs under hydrogen peroxide stress and 58-59% CFU reduction when exposed to neutrophils compared to controls. Nanomicelle-delivered miRNAs successfully penetrated fungal cell walls and demonstrated similar phenotypic effects.
Conclusion
miRNAs can effectively regulate fungal virulence factors, reducing melanin-dependent antioxidant capacity and increasing susceptibility to oxidative stress and immune killing. Fungus-targeted nanomicelles successfully deliver miRNAs to intact fungi, providing a promising novel therapeutic approach for treating aspergillosis resistant to conventional antifungals.
- Published in:Scientific Reports,
- Study Type:Original Research Study,
- Source: PMID: 40389718, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-02742-0