Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:52
Live-cell Video Microscopy of Fungal Pathogen Phagocytosis
Published on: January 9, 2013
Stage-specific sampling by pattern recognition receptors during Candida albicans phagocytosis
Sigrid E M Heinsbroek1, Philip R Taylor, Fernando O Martinez
1Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Plos Pathogens
|December 2, 2008
Summary
Dectin-1 is the primary receptor for non-opsonic uptake of Candida albicans by immune cells. Mannose receptor and complement receptor 3 also play roles in fungal recognition and phagosome maturation, suggesting sequential receptor sampling.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a significant fungal pathogen requiring innate immune cell recognition for clearance.
- Multiple pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are implicated in C. albicans recognition and phagocytosis, but their relative contributions are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific roles of Mannose Receptor (MR), Dectin-1, and Complement Receptor 3 (CR3) in C. albicans uptake.
- To elucidate the sequential involvement of these PRRs during fungal phagocytosis and subsequent immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the contribution of MR, Dectin-1, and CR3 to non-opsonic phagocytosis of C. albicans.
- Utilized microscopy to track receptor accumulation at sites of fungal uptake and on phagosomes.
- Assessed the impact of MR deficiency on cytokine production (TNF-alpha, MCP-1) following C. albicans exposure.
Main Results:
- Dectin-1 was identified as the principal non-opsonic receptor mediating C. albicans uptake.
- Both Dectin-1 and CR3 localized to the site of fungal engulfment.
- MR accumulated on C. albicans phagosomes at later time points, and its deficiency impaired TNF-alpha and MCP-1 production.
Conclusions:
- PRRs engage in sequential sampling of the fungal phagosome during C. albicans infection.
- Dectin-1 initiates uptake, while MR may be involved in later-stage phagosome sampling and subsequent cytokine signaling.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:20Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.