Nikkomycins are a group of antifungal medications.[ They work by interfering with the building of the fungal cell wall which results in the fungal cell breaking open.][ They were discovered in 1976.][ The specific agent nikkomycin Z has weak activity against Aspergillus fumigatus which may be of benefit when used with other medications,][ Nikkomycin Z also inhibits growth of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a serious fungal pathogen linked to global amphibian declines, while lower concentrations of Nikkomycin Z enhanced natural amphibian antimicrobial skin peptide effectiveness in vitro.]
Originally identified from Streptomyces tendae, the nikkomycins are chitin synthase inhibitors.
