Celecoxib exhibits antifungal effect against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis both directly and indirectly by activating neutrophil responses

[Display omitted] •Celecoxib had an antifungal effect in vitro and in vivo.•Celecoxib promoted activating effect on neutrophils in vivo.•Celecoxib decreased the influx of cells to the infection site, suggesting an anti-inflammatory potential in PCM infection.•Celecoxib reduced the excessive inflammation generated by the infectious process by P. brasiliensis.•Celecoxib was able to improve the microbicidal activity of PMNs. Celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory drug, combined therapies using antimicrobials and immune modulator drugs are being studied. Objective: To assess whether Celecoxib has direct in vitro antifungal effect against the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the causative agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis-(PCM) and also if it improves the in vivo activity of neutrophils-(PMN) in an experimental murine subcutaneous-(air pouch) model of the disease. Methods: The antifungal activity of Celecoxib(6 mg/mL) on P. brasiliensis-(Pb18) was evaluated using the microdilution technique. Splenocytes co-cultured with Pb18 and treated with Celecoxib(6 mg/mL) were co-cultured for 24, 48 and 72-hours. Swiss mice were inoculated with Pb18 and treated with Celecoxib(6 mg/kg) in the subcutaneous air pouch. Neutrophils were collected from the air pouch. Mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen production, catalase, peroxidase, cytokines and chemokines, nitrogen species, total protein, microbicidal activity of PMNs and viable Pb18 cells numbers were analyzed. Results: Celecoxib had no cytotoxic effect on splenocytes co-cultured with Pb18, but had a marked direct antifungal effect, inhibiting fungal growth both in vitro and in vivo. Celecoxib interaction with immune system cells in the air pouch, it leads to activation of PMNs, as confirmed by several parameters (mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species, peroxidase, KC and IL-6 increase, killing constant and phagocytosis). Celecoxib was able to reduce IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 cytokine production. The number of recovered viable Pb18 decreased dramatically. Conclusions: This is the first report of the direct antifungal activity of Celecoxib against P. brasiliensis. The use of Celecoxib opens a new possibility for future treatment of PCM.