Secreted proteases from pathogenic fungi

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Biochemistry
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Human pathogenic fungi secrete diverse proteases, including aspartic, serine, and metalloproteases.
• These secreted enzymes play roles in fungal nutrition, tissue adherence, invasion, and immune system modulation.
• While investigated as virulence factors, specific functions and substrate specificities of many fungal proteases remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the types and known functions of proteases secreted by pathogenic fungi.
• To highlight the importance of understanding protease substrate specificities for elucidating their role in fungal infections.
• To emphasize the need for research into protease inhibitors for potential therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on fungal secreted proteases.
• Analysis of protease families (aspartic, serine, metalloproteases) and their known roles.
• Discussion of specific examples like Candida albicans and Coccidioides immitis.

Main Results:

• Pathogenic fungi secrete a range of proteases, including endoproteases and exopeptidases.
• Secreted proteases are vital for dermatophytes' nutrient acquisition from keratinous substrates.
• Candida albicans aspartic proteases contribute to adherence, tissue penetration, and immune evasion.

Conclusions:

• Secreted fungal proteases are significant virulence factors with diverse roles in pathogenesis.
• Further research into protease substrate specificities is essential for understanding fungal virulence mechanisms.
• Targeting fungal proteases or their inhibitors presents a promising avenue for antifungal drug development.