This plant may be a surprise hero in our fight against fungal pathogens

After viruses and bacteria, fungus is the most deadly pathogen and, much like bacteria, is adapting fast to be resistant to current medical interventions. While the official numbers show that around 8,000 Americans die from fungal infections each year, it’s likely to be much higher, since many cases go undiagnosed and, as an ‘opportunistic pathogen,' the microorganism can attack weakened immune systems for complex comorbidities.

"Fungi are found throughout the botanical world, and plants and fungi often work together,” said Cichewicz. “Some of these fungi kill competitors or deter insects from eating the plant."

“We hypothesized that if these plant-dwelling fungi, known as endophytes, could help the plants fight off infections by killing the invading fungi, then these molecules might also be able to protect humans and animals from fungal pathogens,” he added. “As it turns out, we were right.”

Scientists out of the University of Oklahoma (UO) may have found a molecule in a species of water lily or lotus that can fight off fungal infection. "The molecule we're excited about is called persephacin," said Robert Cichewicz, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences at OU. "

"Antifungal resistance keeps evolving, and this could provide a new alternative,” said Cichewicz. “That's why this molecule is so exciting.”

Image source: University of Oklahoma.