Recent advances in antifungal drug discovery based on polyene macrolide antibiotics

The review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis of new derivatives of polyene macrolide antibiotics by chemical modification and genetic engineering methods, results of structure-activity relationship studies and progress in the development of effective and safe drug formulations of this class of antibiotics. Attention is focused on structural changes of polyenes, resulting in a significant decrease in toxicity with retention or even enhancement of antifungal activity. Current concepts on the mechanisms of biological action of these antiobiotics in terms of their therapeutic activity and toxicity are considered.