Aspergillus fumigatus from Pathogenic Fungus to Unexplored Natural Treasure: Changing the Concept.

Abstract

The Aspergillus genus is one of the oldest known fungal genera. Its species can survive in extremely difficult environmental conditions and can affect plants, animals, and human health due to their pathogenic characteristics. Also, they represent an enormous chemical and biological repertoire. A. fumigatus is a fungal pathogen that has been thoroughly investigated due to its medical significance. Additionally, A. fumigatus has revealed a capacity to biosynthesize different classes of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenes, sterols, quinones, peptides, and benzophenones. Alkaloids are the most common type of secondary metabolites that A. fumigatus produces, and they have a variety of biological functions. This current study aimed to highlight the positive aspects of this fungus. The published research on the structures, biological functions, and biosynthesis of A. fumigatus's isolated metabolites were emphasized in this work. The current review comprised more than 400 compounds, with more than 145 references that were published between 1965 and August 2024. This review underscores the role of this fungus as a reservoir of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and agricultural applications.