Virulence Factors of Sporothrix schenckii

Abstract

Sporothrix schenckii is one of the etiological agents of sporotrichosis. In this review, we discuss the virulence factors that have been proven to participate in the S. schenckii-host interaction. Among these known factors, we can find cell wall glycoproteins, adhesins, melanin, extracellular vesicles, and dimorphism. Furthermore, the morphological transition of S. schenckii in response to environmental conditions such as pH and temperature represents a means by which the fungus is able to establish mycosis in mammals. One of the key features in the development of sporotrichosis is the adhesion of the fungus to the host extracellular matrix. This event represents the first step to developing the mycosis, which involves adhesins such as the glycoproteins Gp70, Hsp60, and Pap1, which play a key role during the infection. The production of melanin helps the fungus to survive longer in the tissues and to neutralize or diminish many of the host’s attacks, which is why it is also considered a key factor in pathogenesis. Today, the study of human fungal pathogens’ virulence factors is a thriving area of research. Although we know some of the virulence factors in S. schenckii, much remains to be understood about the complex process of sporotrichosis development and the factors involved during the infection.

Trends in Molecular Diagnostics and Genotyping Tools Applied for Emerging Sporothrix Species

“…Judging from the pieces of information above, it is evident that taxonomic developments have promoted important advances in epidemiological scenarios, parasite–host interactions, sensitivity to antifungal agents, and the biology of these pathogens. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize Sporothrix species in the clinical scenario [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ]. The diagnosis of sporotrichosis down to genus or species level can bring benefits to treatment and thus impact the clinical outcome of patients, and in the case of the felines, avoid the dispersion of the fungus into the feline and human populations [ 32 , 64 ].…”

CRISPR-based tools for genetic manipulation in pathogenicSporothrixspecies

“…Thermo-dimorphism, glycans, adhesins, secreted vesicles and melanin have all been associated with the ability of the fungus to cause disease in the mammalian host (Garcia-Carnero and Martinez-Alvarez, 2022;Garcia Carnero et al, 2018). However, their contributions to virulence remain to be confirmed experimentally.…”

“…Furthermore, at least one case of sporotrichosis, transmitted by an imported infected cat, has been reported in the United Kingdom (Rachman et al, 2022). Thermo-dimorphism, glycans, adhesins, secreted vesicles and melanin have all been associated with the ability of the fungus to cause disease in the mammalian host (Garcia-Carnero and Martinez-Alvarez, 2022; Garcia Carnero et al ., 2018). However, their contributions to virulence remain to be confirmed experimentally.…”

Special Issue “Sporothrix and Sporotrichosis 2.0”

“…Another important function of the fungal cell wall is to serve as a molecular scaffold to display molecules that can contribute in pathogenesis and virulence [ 29 , 30 ]. Here, García-Carnero and Martínez-Álvarez provide an up-to-date review paper on the most recent information related with virulence factors already rerpoted in S. schenckii [ 31 ]. These include cell wall adhesins, melanin production, extracellular and intracellular proteinases, extracellular vesicles, and biofilm formation [ 31 ].…”

“…Here, García-Carnero and Martínez-Álvarez provide an up-to-date review paper on the most recent information related with virulence factors already rerpoted in S. schenckii [ 31 ]. These include cell wall adhesins, melanin production, extracellular and intracellular proteinases, extracellular vesicles, and biofilm formation [ 31 ]. As part of the adhesins repertoire found on the S. schenckii cell wall, García-Carnero et al showed that the cell wall peptidorhamnomannan is composed of a heterogeneous mix of different proteins, and among them Hsp60 and Pap1 are the most abundant ones [ 32 ].…”