Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
A Catheter-Related Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse
Published on: March 22, 2024
Human epithelial model systems for the study of Candida infections in vitro: part II. Histologic methods for studying
1Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract:
Although the role of invasion in the virulence of Candida albicans has been demonstrated, the mechanism that governs fungal invasion is not fully understood. Among the tools that exist to fill these gaps in knowledge, in vitro tissue models based on reconstituted human epithelia (RHE) have already been developed. Such models are designed to study more reproducably the fungus-host relationship, as they eliminate the complexity and variability found in vivo. Herein we describe the preparation of these RHE and their application in study of the invasion properties of C. albicans by further histologic processing and microscopic observation. For this purpose, different epithelial cell lines are grown on a collagen gel to build up models of intestinal (Caco-2 cell line), vaginal (A431 cell line), and oral (TR146 cell line) mucosa. The use of these in vitro models applied to test the invasiveness of C. albicans strains (clinical isolates or gene deleted mutants) and to identify changes in gene expression during the invasion of the RHE will help to advance our knowledge of pathogenesis and to study specific mechanisms used by C. albicans to adapt to changing environments present in different epithelia. Furthermore, because these models are useful to study the host response during the challenge with the pathogen, they will also offer important new insights into host cell biology and identify new targets for treatment.
Insights
This study details reconstituted human epithelia (RHE) models for investigating Candida albicans invasion. These RHE models offer a reproducible method to explore fungal pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
Background:
- The precise mechanisms underlying Candida albicans invasion and virulence remain incompletely understood.
- In vitro models are crucial for studying fungal pathogenesis in a controlled and reproducible manner.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the preparation and application of reconstituted human epithelia (RHE) models for studying Candida albicans invasion.
- To utilize RHE models to investigate fungal adaptation and host response during infection.
Main Methods:
- Development of RHE models using Caco-2, A431, and TR146 cell lines on collagen gels to mimic intestinal, vaginal, and oral mucosa.
- Histologic processing and microscopic observation to analyze fungal invasion.
- Application of RHE models to assess invasiveness of different C. albicans strains and study gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- RHE models provide a reproducible platform to study Candida albicans invasion.
- These models allow for the examination of fungal adaptation to different epithelial environments.
- The models facilitate the study of host responses to C. albicans challenge.
Conclusions:
- Reconstituted human epithelia models are valuable tools for advancing the understanding of Candida albicans pathogenesis.
- These models can identify novel therapeutic targets by revealing host cell biology insights.
- RHE models enhance the study of fungus-host relationships, contributing to improved treatment strategies.
