Imidazolidine-Based Aspartate Inhibitors for Candida Infections

Abstract

The fungal infection gradually poses a life threat to mankind, candidiasis caused by Candida sp. is one among them. We describe the aspartate protease inhibition potentials of 12 sulfonyl-containing imidazolidines (5a-l) anti-candidal agents. Candida Albicans secretes aspartic proteases (Saps), one of its most important virulent agents. These hydrolytic enzymes are critical for both fungal physiological processes and host-fungus interactions. Compounds 5a-l were examined for their fungal aspartate protease inhibition apart from their anti-candida activity. These findings were equipped and validated in silico using molecular docking and in vitro enzyme inhibition assays. The study found that imidazolidine derivatives inhibited aspartic protease and exhibited anti-candida action. Conclusively, imidazolidines 5g, 5h, and 5j were perceived as the most potent anti-candida compounds and are presently being evaluated for their preclinical studies.