The secreted aspartic proteinases as a new target in the therapy of candidiasis.

Secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps) are important virulence factors in different types of candidiasis caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans). The various isoenzymes are expected to fulfil different tasks during mucosal or disseminated infections. It could be shown that the introduction of the proteinase inhibitors like saquinavir and indinavir in the therapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients has an effect on Sap activity in vitro as well as in vivo. Therefore, drugs like the HIV proteinase inhibitors could play an essential role in the treatment of candidiasis in the future, especially if further adapted to this target.