Functions and inhibition of BET bromodomains in pathogenic fungi

Invasive fungal infections are a major public health problem. While therapeutic options remain very limited, new antifungal strategies are urgently needed. Bromodomains (BDs) of the BET protein family are chromatin-interacting modules with important biological functions. Human BET BDs can be inhibited by drug compounds, with clinical potential in oncology and inflammatory diseases. Here we review current knowledge of fungal BET BDs. We list their roles in chromatin signalling and present recent evidence for their selective inhibition. Finally, we discuss the possibility of using fungal BET BDs as therapeutic targets for future antifungal drug development.