An international research team led by the University of Basel has discovered sugar molecules in mucus that curb fungal infections. With this knowledge, research can be conducted into new drugs against the pathogens.
The researchers report this in the journal “Natura Chemical Biology”. The team led by Rachel Hevey of the University of Basel and Katharina Ribbeck of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) focused on the yeast Candida albicans. This occurs in almost all people in healthy mucus without being noticeable. However, if the immune system is weakened, the fungus can multiply excessively and in the worst case even lead to a life-threatening infection.
New insight into sugar molecules
Central to their finding is that so-called glycans, sugar molecules in the mucus, prevent the yeast fungus from changing from the harmless to the infectious form. “For a long time, it was thought that glycans were solely responsible for the sliminess of the mucus,” Hevey said in a statement from the University of Basel on Tuesday. In fact, they could pave the way for new, much-needed drugs.
An English summary of the article is available online.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
