Exploring the Potential of s-Triazine Derivatives as Novel Antifungal Agents: A Review

Abstract

The growing incidence and prevalence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance compound clinical antifungal therapies. Given the significant threat posed by IFIs and the limits of the current antifungal agents, the search for novel, effective therapeutic options remains a compelling area of antifungal drug discovery. The s-triazine (1,3,5-triazine) scaffold, renowned for its structural versatility, ease of functionalization, and diverse biological profiles, has been extensively studied in medical chemistry. Driven by this privileged structure, several s-triazine derivatives have been synthesized through molecular hybridization and screened for their antifungal activities. Some of them demonstrated potent efficacy against pathogenic fungi, including Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus species. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies are also discussed whenever possible, underlying the essential substituents for their antifungal effect. This review provides a summary of recent advancements (2014–2024) in the development of antifungal agents featuring the s-triazine scaffold and highlights the antifungal activity of s-triazine derivatives, aiming to prompt further progress in this field.