Structure-based design, synthesis, and antifungal activity of new triazole derivatives.

A series of new antifungal triazole derivatives with phenylacetamide side chain were rational designed and synthesized on the basis of the structural information of lanosterol 14-demethylase (CYP51). In vitro antifungal activity assay indicated that several compounds showed higher activity than fluconazole. Especially, compound 8h showed excellent inhibitory activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC=0.0156 μg/mL), suggesting that it is a promising lead for the development of novel antifungal agents. The binding mode of compound 8h was investigated by flexible molecular docking. It interacted with CACYP51 through hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions.