Preclinical and Toxicology Assessment of ISFP10, an Inhibitor of Fungal Phosphoglucomutase (PGM)
Authors: Pellegrino Madeline R. , Bindzus Marc , Kottom Theodore J. , Ayyalasomayajula Savita , Yi Eunhee S. , Limper Andrew H. 
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective

Previously, the novel small molecule ISFP10 has been shown to inhibit fungal phosphoglucomutase (PGM) activity inAspergillus fumigatusandPneumocystisspp. With 50-fold selectivity over the human PGM molecule due to the presence of a unique yet conserved cysteine residue present in a number pathogenic fungal PGMs, use of this compound may provide a novel broad-spectrum approach to treating fungal infections. Accordingly, we sought to determine the tolerability in test animals receiving this compound, as well as the potential antifungal activity of ISFP10 on cultures of the common fungal pathogensCandida albicansandCandida glabrata.

Methods

C57BL6 mice received once daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 100 mL of vehicle control (DMSO) or ISFP10 at a concentration of 10 mg/kg. Body weights were recorded daily for 7 days of treatment. On the final day, mice were weighed and euthanized. Postmortem blood collection was conducted via cardiac puncture and distributed to EDTA and lithium heparin tubes for complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive blood chemistry panels, respectively. Liver, kidney, and lung tissue were also harvested and placed in 10% formalin for H&E staining and blinded histopathologic scoring. Lung samples were further analyzed for proinflammatory cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Furthermore, ISPF10 was tested for antifungal activity via 8-hour growth curve analysis in a concentration-dependent fashion againstCandida albicansandCandida glabrata.

Results

There was no significant difference in the daily or final body weights of the mice receiving 10 mg/kg of ISFP10 compared to those of the vehicle control group. Extracellular matrix (ECM) transcripts for IL-6 and TNFα were statistically similar via qPCR. ELISA results of proinflammatory cytokines for IL-6 was not significant whereas TNFα levels in lung tissue from the ISFP10 treatment group were significantly reduced, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect of ISFP10 at this dosage. Overall, blood chemistry and CBC analysis revealed no overall significant differences between the two groups, except for increased neutrophil counts and decreased potassium levels in samples collected from ISFP10 treated animals compared to the vehicle control group. These laboratory abnormalities were not of clinical significance to the test animals. Blinded histopathological examination revealed no abnormalities or evidence of critical organ toxicity from all groups. Inhibition ofC. albicansandC. glabrataculture growth by ISFP10 was concentration-dependent in YPD liquid media containing the ISFP10 compared to vehicle control.

Conclusions

Our preliminary testing of ISFP10 revealed no inherent safety or toxicology concerns within the observed parameters. These data further support significant culture suppressive activity againstC. albicans and C. glabrata. Taken together, these observations of ISFP10 further indicate that targeting PGM might be a novel and viable therapeutic strategy for serious fungal infections.

Key points

An inhibitor specific to fungal PGM enzymes, termed ISFP10, was generally well tolerated when administered via intraperitoneal (IP) injection in mice.

ISFP10 displays antifungal activity in a concentration-dependent manner againstC. albicansandC. glabrata.