Drug from cancer chemotherapy helps fight deadly fungal infections

Infections with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus are difficult to fight - especially because the fungus forms a biofilm and can thus protect itself from antifungal drugs and the immune defence system.

There are up to 10,000 fungal spores in every cubic metre of air that can enter our bodies when we breathe them in. Some of these belong to the species Aspergillus fumigatus, a widespread fungus found everywhere in the environment. In immunocompromised people - for example, after transplantation or severe respiratory illnesses such as influenza or COVID-19 - the fungus can enter the lungs and cause aspergillosis. The infection is particularly difficult to treat - especially because the fungus surrounds itself with a biofilm. ...