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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
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Published on: November 5, 2019
Detection of Als proteins on the cell wall of Candida albicans in murine tissues
L L Hoyer1, J Clevenger, J E Hecht
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA. lhoyer@uiuc.edu
Abstract:
A murine model of disseminated candidiasis was utilized to determine whether Candida albicans Als proteins are produced in vivo. The kidneys, spleen, heart, liver, and lungs were collected from mice inoculated with one of three C. albicans strains (SC5314, B311, or WO-1). Immunohistochemical analysis of murine tissues by using a rabbit polyclonal anti-Als serum indicated that Als proteins were produced by each C. albicans cell in the tissues examined. Patterns of staining with the anti-Als serum were similar among the C. albicans strains tested. These data indicated that Als protein production was widespread in disseminated candidiasis and that, despite strain differences in ALS gene expression previously noted in vitro, Als protein production in vivo was similar among C. albicans strains. The extensive production of Als proteins in vivo and their presence on the C. albicans cell wall position these proteins well for a role in host-pathogen interaction.
Insights
Candida albicans Als proteins are widely produced in vivo during disseminated candidiasis. This widespread production suggests a significant role for Als proteins in host-pathogen interactions, even with strain variations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Immunology
- Microbial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Disseminated candidiasis is a serious invasive fungal infection.
- Candida albicans Als proteins are cell wall proteins implicated in adhesion and biofilm formation.
- Previous studies indicated in vitro variability in ALS gene expression among C. albicans strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo production of Candida albicans Als proteins during disseminated candidiasis.
- To determine if Als protein production varies among different C. albicans strains in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine model of disseminated candidiasis.
- Collected various organs (kidneys, spleen, heart, liver, lungs) from infected mice.
- Performed immunohistochemical analysis using rabbit polyclonal anti-Als serum.
Main Results:
- Als proteins were detected on C. albicans cells within all examined murine tissues.
- Immunohistochemical staining patterns for Als proteins were consistent across the three C. albicans strains tested (SC5314, B311, WO-1).
- Als protein production was widespread in vivo, irrespective of previously observed in vitro strain-specific gene expression differences.
Conclusions:
- Als protein production is extensive and occurs in vivo during disseminated candidiasis.
- In vivo Als protein production is conserved among different C. albicans strains.
- The significant in vivo production and cell wall localization of Als proteins suggest a crucial role in host-pathogen interactions.
