Molecular
mechanisms of azole resistance. Drugs
enter the cell through an unknown
mechanism (passive diffusion ?). Two types of efflux pumps are expressed at low levels.
In a "model" resistant cell, the
drugs are less effective because
•
the target enzyme has been modified (point mutations) and is
overexpressed;
•
the sterol components of the plasma membrane are modified;
•
the azoles are effluxed through overexpression of the CDR (ABCT) and
MDR
(MF) genes.
Adapted from White, T. C. 1997. Antifungal drug resistance in Candida
albicans. ASM News 63:427-433