Cyclopolypeptides with Antifungal Interest

In past years, a lot of naturally occurring cyclopeptide antibiotics have been discovered based on their ability to inhibit the growth of microbial pathogens. These antimicrobial peptides participate in the innate immune response by providing a rapid first-line defence against infection. Among these, cyclopeptides especially large depsipeptides have been emerged as novel organic entities with a wide array of antifungal activities. These cyclic congeners act by disrupting the structural integrity of the microbial membranes. It has become clear that membrane-active peptides and proteins play a crucial role in both the innate and the adaptive immune system as antimicrobial agents. Present review is focused on the functional and structural features of the naturally occurring antifungal cyclopolypeptides, and discusses their potential as therapeutics.