Nikkomycin

Nikkomycins are a group of antifungal medications.^[1] They work by interfering with the building of the fungal cell wall which results in the fungal cell breaking open.^[1] They were discovered in 1976.^[1] The nikkomycins were discovered to be highly active against the dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Histoplasma capsulatum, with nikkomycin Z more active than nikkomycin X both in vitro and in vivo in mouse models^[2]. Nikkomycin Z was also found to interact synergistically with multiple azole antifungals against Candida albicans, both in vitro and in vivo in mouse models^[3]. The specific agent nikkomycin Z has weak activity against Aspergillus fumigatus which may be of benefit when used with other medications,^[1] such as caspofungin, ranconazole and amphotericin B, fluconazole or itraconazole.^[4] Nikkomycin Z also inhibits growth of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a serious fungal pathogen linked to global amphibian declines, while lower concentrations of Nikkomycin Z enhanced natural amphibian antimicrobial skin peptide effectiveness in vitro.^[5] The safety and pharmacokinetics of single doses of nikkomycin Z was evaluated in a Phase I study in humans^[6].

Originally identified from Streptomyces tendae, the nikkomycins are chitin synthase inhibitors.^[4]