Fungal invasion of epithelial cells

Abstract

Interaction between host cells and invasive Candida plays a large role in the pathogenicity of Candida species. Fungal-induced endocytosis and active penetration are the two distinct, yet complementary invasion mechanisms of invasive candidiasis. Induced endocytosis is a microorganism-triggered, epithelial-driven, clathrin-mediated and actin-dependent process. During the fundamental pathological process of induced endocytosis, invasins (Als3 and Ssa1), which mediate the binding of host epithelial surface proteins, are expressed by Candida species on the hyphal surface. Sequentially, the interaction between invasins and host epithelial surface proteins stimulates the recruitment of clathrin, dynamin and cortactin to the sites where Candida enters epithelial cells, which in turn induce the actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Actin cytoskeleton provides the force required for fungal internalization. Parallely, active penetration of Candida can directly pass through epithelial cells possibly due to progressive elongation of hyphae and physical forces. Several molecules, such as secreted hydrolases and Als3, can affect the protective barrier of the epithelium and make Candida actively penetrate into epithelial cells through intercellular gaps of epithelial layers.

Selection of Lactobacillus strains as potential probiotics for vaginitis treatment

“…It is well known that C. albicans invades host epithelial cells by two distinct mechanisms and that its hyphae form has a crucial role in both of them. The factors involved in the hyphae growth are very complex and involve changes in environmental conditions and signal transduction cascades regulated by quorum sensing (Yang et al, 2014). In the present study, it is possible that C. albicans remained in its unicellular form under the methodological conditions used, a fact which could explain the lack of internalization.…”

Garcinia xanthochymus Benzophenones Promote Hyphal Apoptosis and Potentiate Activity of Fluconazole against Candida albicans Biofilms

“…S2 and S3 in the supplemental material). Such activity should ameliorate hypha-induced cell and tissue damage in candidiasis (48)(49)(50)(51). Furthermore, xanthochymol potentiated the activity of fluconazole.…”

Protection ofCandida parapsilosisfrom neutrophil killing through internalization by human endothelial cells

“…Als3p is highly expressed on C. albicans hyphae, and binds to E-or N-cadherin on host cells where it leads to endocytosis of fungi. 18,19 Ssa1 is another adhesion molecule that binds to host cadherins and leads to endocytosis. 20 Putative homologs to C. albicans adhesins have been identified in the C. parapsilosis genome, however their actual function has not been tested.…”