Pathogen-specific peptide to block virulence-related signaling in Candida albicans.

Abstract

In the present invention, combining biophysical techniques with AI-based predictive modeling, the structural characteristics of a unique protein from the ras family, the Candida albicans ras-like protein 1 (CARAS1), and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) CACDC25, both isolated and complexed, are disclosed. Based on the structural information, synthetic peptide sequences capable of inhibiting the activity of CACDC25 are disclosed. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising said peptide sequences or some of their variants, each also comprising amino acid modifications, used alone or in combinations. In another embodiment, the present invention refers to Pharmaceutical preparations of medicines that comprise the aforementioned compositions. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to the aforementioned Pharmaceutical sequences, compositions and formulations for use in the treatment of Candida spp., as well as other fungal infections. WITH AGENTS OF THE CANDIDA LODDEROMYCES CLADE AND, MORE BROADLY, OF TYPE SACHAROMYCETALES, THROUGH SPECIFIC BLOCKING OF A IMPORTANT SIGNALING ROUTE RELATED TO VIRULENCE.