Effects of cilofungin (LY121019) on carbohydrate and sterol composition ofCandida albicans

Abstract

Cilofungin (LY121019) is a novel analogue of echinocandin B with potent activity againstCandida albicans. The effects of cilofungin on the sterol and cell wall carbohydrate composition ofCandida albicans were investigated. Exposure ofCandida albicans to cilofungin resulted in a 55–60% decrease in ergosterol and a 4–13% decrease in lanosterol content relative to controls. Carbohydrate analysis revealed a 72–79% decrease in glucan content and no significant decrease in mannan or chitin content relative to controls. These studies suggest that cilofungin specifically inhibits glucan synthesis inCandida albicans and thus may be less toxic to mammalian cells. The effects of cilofungin on sterol composition may be non-specific and will require additional investigation.