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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Candida albicans fibrinogen binding mannoprotein: expression in clinical strains and immunogenicity in patients with
P Sepúlveda1, J L López-Ribot, A Murgui
1Departamento de Microbiología y Ecología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Spain.
Abstract:
A 58 kDa cell wall-associated fibrinogen binding mannoprotein (mp58), previously characterized by our group in a Candida albicans laboratory strain (ATCC 26555), was found to be also present in the cell wall of clinical isolates of this fungus. Most strains examined appear to have functional mp58 species, as detected by their ability to bind fibrinogen. Western immunoblot analysis, with a monovalent polyclonal antibody generated against the mp58 species from strain ATCC 26555, revealed differences in recognition patterns depending on the strain tested and the culture conditions used. Serum samples from normal and Candida infected individuals were examined for the presence of antibodies against mp58 by Western immunoblotting. None of the sera from control individuals and patients suffering from superficial candidiasis contained antibodies against mp58. However, positive reactivity with this antigen and other cell wall constituents was detected for all sera from patients with confirmed systemic candidiasis. Together, these results suggest that mp58 could play an active role during infection and may be useful as a specific antigenic marker for candidiasis.
Insights
A cell wall protein, fibrinogen binding mannoprotein (mp58), is present in clinical Candida albicans isolates. Antibodies against mp58 are detected in systemic candidiasis patients, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- A 58 kDa cell wall-associated fibrinogen binding mannoprotein (mp58) was previously identified in Candida albicans.
- This protein is crucial for fungal cell wall integrity and host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of mp58 in clinical isolates of Candida albicans.
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of mp58 as an antigen for candidiasis.
Main Methods:
- Western immunoblot analysis was used to detect mp58 in various Candida albicans strains.
- Antibody detection against mp58 in human serum samples from healthy individuals, superficial candidiasis patients, and systemic candidiasis patients.
Main Results:
- Mp58 was found in the cell wall of clinical isolates, with most strains exhibiting functional fibrinogen binding.
- Antibodies against mp58 were absent in healthy individuals and those with superficial candidiasis.
- All patients with confirmed systemic candidiasis showed positive reactivity against mp58.
Conclusions:
- Mp58 is present in clinical Candida albicans isolates and appears to be involved in infection.
- Mp58 shows promise as a specific antigenic marker for diagnosing systemic candidiasis.
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