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Candida albicans mannoprotein influences the biological function of dendritic cells

Donatella Pietrella1, Giovanni Bistoni, Cristina Corbucci

  • 1Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.

Cellular Microbiology
|March 22, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Mannoproteins (MP) from Candida albicans, specifically MP65, stimulate dendritic cells (DC) to mature and activate immune responses. This suggests MP65 could be a potential vaccine candidate against fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Fungal cell wall components, primarily mannoproteins (MP), are key in triggering host immune responses.
  • Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen where mannoproteins play a significant role in host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between Candida albicans mannoprotein (MP65) and dendritic cells (DC).
  • To determine the role of MP65 in stimulating DC maturation and immune activation.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of dendritic cells with MP65 from Candida albicans.
  • Analysis of cytokine release (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and IL-12 gene activation.
  • Assessment of DC maturation markers (costimulatory molecules, CD14, FcgammaR) expression.
  • Investigation of the involvement of Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) and MyD88 pathway.

Main Results:

  • MP65 significantly stimulates dendritic cells, inducing TNF-alpha, IL-6 release, and IL-12 gene activation within 6 hours.
  • MP65 promotes DC maturation by upregulating costimulatory molecules and downregulating CD14 and FcgammaR.
  • The observed effects are partly mediated by TLR2, TLR4, and the MyD88-dependent pathway.
  • MP65 facilitates DC-mediated T cell activation, with the protein core being crucial for T cell activation and the glycosylated portion for cytokine production.

Conclusions:

  • MP65 from Candida albicans effectively stimulates dendritic cells, leading to immune activation and maturation.
  • The study elucidates the molecular pathways, including TLRs and MyD88, involved in MP65-induced DC responses.
  • MP65's ability to induce T cell responses suggests its potential as a vaccine candidate against C. albicans infections.

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