Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
Organotypic Tissue Model Systems for Investigating Host-Pathogen Interactions In Vitro
Published on: March 28, 2025
Human oral keratinocytes: a model system to analyze host-pathogen interactions
Torsten Wöllert1, Christiane Rollenhagen, George M Langford
1Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Host-pathogen interactions are complex and dynamic processes that result in a variety of responses. The ability of the host to respond appropriately to the presence of a microbial agent defines the outcome of these interactions. Fungal infections are a problem of growing clinical importance and are responsible for serious health problems in multimorbid patients. Different model systems, including primary cells and cell lines derived from different tissues, are used to study several processes that contribute to the virulence of pathogenic fungi. In this chapter, we describe an in vitro assay to characterize the response of human oral keratinocytes (OKF6/TERT-2) to the presence of the human pathogenic fungus, Candida albicans. The dynamic cellular changes such as expression of differentiation markers can be monitored by epifluorescence deconvolution microscopy. Analyses of immunofluorescence data by linescan analysis and fluorescence intensity measurements are described to identify changes in protein expression levels. The use of this in vitro model system will also provide new information about host cell behavior and identify potential drug targets in the future.
Insights
This study presents an in vitro model using human oral keratinocytes to investigate host-pathogen interactions with Candida albicans. This research offers insights into cellular responses to fungal infections and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Host-pathogen interactions are crucial in determining infection outcomes.
- Fungal infections, particularly Candida albicans, pose significant clinical challenges, especially in vulnerable patients.
- Understanding host responses is key to combating these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and describe an in vitro assay for studying human oral keratinocyte responses to Candida albicans.
- To characterize dynamic cellular changes during host-fungal interactions.
- To identify potential drug targets for treating fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an in vitro model with human oral keratinocytes (OKF6/TERT-2).
- Introduced the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans to the cell culture.
- Employed epifluorescence deconvolution microscopy to monitor cellular changes and differentiation markers.
- Analyzed immunofluorescence data using linescan analysis and fluorescence intensity measurements to quantify protein expression.
Main Results:
- Successfully characterized the dynamic cellular responses of oral keratinocytes to Candida albicans.
- Quantified changes in protein expression levels indicative of host cell reaction.
- Demonstrated the utility of the in vitro model for studying host-pathogen dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The developed in vitro model provides valuable insights into host cell behavior during Candida albicans infection.
- This model system can advance the understanding of fungal pathogenesis.
- The findings pave the way for identifying novel therapeutic strategies and drug targets.
