Melanin and its contribution to fungal virulence

Melanin is a kind of dark-brown or black negative charged materials formed by the oxidative polymerization of phenolic compounds. Melanin synthesis is associated with the virulence of a number of human pathogenic fungi. Melanin can enhance the pathogenicity and survival of infective fungi by protecting them against environmental damage, oxidative injury and antifungal agents. It has been observed that the melanin in Cryptococcus neoformans, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Sporotrichum schenckii is closely related to the virulence of these fungi. This article presents the possible mechanisms underlying the enhancement of fungal virulence by melanin. Key words: Melanins;  Fungi;  Virulence