Description
Natamycin is a polyene macrolide found in Streptomyces natalensis that exhibits antifungal and immunostimulatory activities; this compound binds ergosterol, inhibiting membrane fusion. Natamycin is an antimicrobial compound that is clinically used to treat keratitis, displaying great efficacy against Aspergillus and Fusarium. Natamycin increases activation of the NALP3 inflammasome and secretion of IL-1β by inducing K+ efflux in dendritic cells; it also activates polyclonal B cells in mouse lymphocytes. Additionally, natamycin is used to improve the shelf life of cheese.