Description
Natamycin is a polyene macrolide found in Streptomyces natalensis that exhibits antifungal and immunostimulatory activities; this compound binds ergosterol, inhibiting membrane fusion. Natamycin is an antimicrobial compound that is clinically used to treat keratitis, displaying great efficacy against Aspergillus and Fusarium. Natamycin increases activation of the NALP3 inflammasome and secretion of IL-1β by inducing K+ efflux in dendritic cells; it also activates polyclonal B cells in mouse lymphocytes. Additionally, natamycin is used to improve the shelf life of cheese.
References
Kallinteri LD, Kostoula OK, Savvaidis IN. Efficacy of nisin and/or natamycin to improve the shelf-life of Galotyri cheese. Food Microbiol. 2013 Dec;36(2):176-81. PMID: 24010596.
Thomas PA, Kaliamurthy J. Mycotic keratitis: epidemiology, diagnosis and management. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2013 Mar;19(3):210-20. PMID: 23398543.
Darisipudi MN, Allam R, Rupanagudi KV, et al. Polyene macrolide antifungal drugs trigger interleukin-1β secretion by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. PLoS One. 2011;6(5):e19588. PMID: 21625424.
Hammarström L, Smith CI. In vitro activating properties of polyene antibiotics for murine lymphocytes. Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand C. 1977 Aug;85C(4):277-83. PMID: 302553.
