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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Live-cell Video Microscopy of Fungal Pathogen Phagocytosis
Published on: January 9, 2013
Alterations of protein expression in macrophages in response to Candida albicans infection
Yu-Kyong Shin1, Ki-Young Kim, Young-Ki Paik
1Department of Biochemistry, Yonsei Proteome Research Center and Biomedical Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea.
Abstract:
Although macrophages are an important first line of cellular defense, they are unable to effectively kill phagocytosed C. albicans. To determine the physiological basis of this inability, we investigated the alterations of macrophage proteins caused by C. albicans infection. Since the formation of C. albicans hyphae caused cell death, proteins were prepared 3 h after infection and examined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The most prominent changes were in glycolytic enzymes, which could have caused energy depletion of the infected cells. Also changed were proteins involved in maintenance of cellular integrity and NO production. Treatment of the macrophages with either cytochalasin D or taxol did not alter their inability to kill C. albicans. Our results indicate that multiple factors contribute to cell death as the pathogenic form of C. albicans becomes fully active inside macrophage cells.
Insights
Macrophages cannot kill Candida albicans (C. albicans) due to significant protein alterations, including changes in glycolytic enzymes and proteins for cellular integrity and nitric oxide production, leading to cell death.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells for pathogen defense.
- Phagocytosis of Candida albicans (C. albicans) by macrophages is a key early immune response.
- Macrophages exhibit an inability to effectively eliminate ingested C. albicans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological basis for macrophage inability to kill C. albicans.
- To identify alterations in macrophage proteins following C. albicans infection.
Main Methods:
- Macrophage infection with C. albicans for 3 hours.
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) to analyze protein expression.
- Treatment with cytochalasin D and taxol.
Main Results:
- Significant changes observed in glycolytic enzymes, suggesting potential energy depletion.
- Alterations detected in proteins related to cellular integrity and nitric oxide (NO) production.
- Cytochalasin D and taxol treatments did not restore C. albicans killing ability.
Conclusions:
- Multiple protein alterations contribute to macrophage dysfunction during C. albicans infection.
- Pathogenic C. albicans hyphae formation triggers cellular changes leading to macrophage cell death.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing strategies against C. albicans infections.
