Some compounds produced by microbes have therapeutic benefits.
Statins are a class of compounds produced by fungi that inhibit the production of cholesterol.
Cyclosporin A produced by the fungus Trichoderma polysporum, is used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ-transplant patients to ensure that the new organ is not rejected by the recipient and is integrated into the recipient’s body seamlessly.
Lipase is an enzyme that digests lipids. It is used for digesting oily stains in clothes. Some important lipase-producing bacterial genera include Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Burkholderia.
Streptokinase is a protein produced by the bacterium Streptococcus and is used to clear blood clots.