Any one of a family of large lipopeptides that are inhibitors of the enzyme 1,3-beta-glucan synthase, thus damaging fungal cell walls. Echinocandins are fungicidal against most Candida spp and fungistatic against Aspergillus spp.
| Member | Definition | Role |
|---|
| aminocandin | A member of the family of echinocandins that shows broad-spectrum in vitro activity against Aspergillus and Candida spp. | aminocandin |
| anidulafungin | A semisynthetic echinocandin anti-fungal drug. It is active against Aspergillus and Candida species and is used for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. | anidulafungin |
| cilofungin | A cyclic hexapeptide echinocandin antibiotic isolated from Aspergillus spp. By inhibiting the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, it invades a fungus' ability to synthesize cell walls. A modified form of echinocandin B, it is an antimycotic agent against Candida albicans. | cilofungin |
| micafungin | A cyclic hexapeptide echinocandin antibiotic which exerts its effect by inhibiting the synthesis of 1,3-beta-D-glucan, an integral component of the fungal cell wall. It is used as the sodium salt for the treatment of invasive candidiasis, and of aspergillosis in patients who are intolerant of other therapy. | micafungin |