Echinocandin B a natural lipopeptide antifungal agent. Discovered in 1974 in Germany, it is the first of its class of antifungals called echinocandins. Echinocandin B is a cyclic hexapeptide with a linoleolyl side chain. Anidulafungin is synthesized from Echinocandin B. Echinocandin B is soluble in ethanol, methanol, DMSO and DMF.
Mechanism of Action | Echinocandin competitively inhibits β-(1,3)-D-glucan synthase, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. Changes in the cell wall can lead to eventual cell lysis. It does not affect mammalian cells since they do not contain β-(1,3)-D-glucan. |
Spectrum | Echinocandin B has activity against fungi including Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp, with MIC90 ≤ 2 µg/ml against Candida spp. Resistance mechanisms have not been fully elucidatated. The molecular target is the FKS1 subunit of glucan synthase, thus mutations to this site confer varying degrees of resistance. |
Molecular Formula | C52H81N7O16 |
Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, methanol, DMF or DMSO. Poor water solubility. |
References | Cacho RA, Jiang W, Chooi YH, Walsh CT, and Tang Y (2012) Identification and characterization of the Echinocandin B biosynthetic gene cluster from Emericella rugulosa NRRL 11440. J Am Chem Soc. 134(40):16781-90 PMID 22998630 Cassone A et al (1981) Lysis of growing yeast-form cells of Candida albicans by Echinocandin: A cytological study. Sabouraudia 19 1):97-110. PMID 7020114 Denning DW(1997) Echinocandins and pneumocandins-a new antifungal class with a novel mode of action. J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 40(5):611-614 PMID 9421307 Douglas CM et al (1997) Identificaiton of the FKS1 gene of Candida albicans as the essential target of 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase inhibitors. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 41(11):2471-2479 PMID 9371352 Eschenauer G, Depestel DD, and Carver PL (2007) Comparison of Echinocandin antifungals.Ther. Clin. Risk Manag. 3(1):71-97 PMID 18360617 Kauss H and Jeblick W (1986) Influence of free fatty acids, Lysophosphatidylcholine, platelet-activating factor, acylcarnitine, and Echinocandin B on 1,3-beta-d-glucan synthase and callose synthesis. Plant Physiol. 80(1):7-13 PMID 16664610 Patil A and Majumdar S (2017) Echinocandins in antifungal pharmacotherapy. Pharm. Pharmacol. 69(12):1635-1660 PMID 28744860 Sawistowska-Schröder ET, Kerridge D, Perry H (1984) Echinocandin inhibition of 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase from Candida albicans. FEBS Lett. 173(1):134-138 PMID 6235127 |