Immune cells get transformed into fungus-fighting nanoparticles
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed antifungal nanoparticles derived from human macrophage cell membranes. These particles physically damage fungal cells and boost immune responses, offering a potential new treatment for drug-resistant infections.
Why it matters
As fungal infections become increasingly resistant to traditional medications, this bio-inspired nanotechnology provides a novel, more effective strategy for treating life-threatening infections.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell Biomaterials (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.celbio.2026.100487 Tiny particles made from the membranes of human immune cells could offer a promising new way to fight fungal infections that are becoming harder to treat. Engineers at the University of California San Diego created antifungal nanoparticles that target Candida albicans, a fungus responsible for oral and vaginal yeast infections as well as life-threatening bloodstream infections. In mice with severe Candida infections, the nanoparticles greatly reduced the amount of fungus in major organs and significantly improved survival.
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