Chicken peptide cracks fungal superbug defenses
Scientists find how a chicken peptide weakens deadly fungal cell walls, offering hope against drug-resistant infections.
Why it matters
- A natural chicken peptide may combat drug-resistant fungal infections.
- Fungal resistance is rising, with limited treatment options.
By the numbers
- CATH-2 increases fungal wall water accessibility from 13% to 30%.
- Mortality rates for invasive aspergillosis can exceed 50%.
The big picture
- Chicken peptide CATH-2 disrupts fungal cell walls in a multi-step process.
- Could guide design of new antifungal drugs, urgently needed for resistant strains.
What they're saying
- Some users express skepticism about the long-term efficacy due to potential fungal evolution.
Caveats
- Early-stage research; efficacy in humans and safety not yet tested.
- Potential for fungi to evolve resistance to peptide-based treatments.