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Members of the Candida parapsilosis Complex and Candida albicans are Differentially Recognized by Human Peripheral

Eine Estrada-Mata1, María J Navarro-Arias1, Luis A Pérez-García1

  • 1Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato Guanajuato, México.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|January 22, 2016
PubMed

Insights

The Candida parapsilosis complex fungal cell wall differs from Candida albicans, impacting immune responses. Mannan removal and exposure of inner components alter cytokine production by human immune cells.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology and Immunology
  • Host-pathogen interactions
  • Innate immunity

Background:

  • Systemic Candida infections, particularly by the Candida parapsilosis complex, cause significant morbidity and mortality.
  • The fungal cell wall is a critical interface for host-pathogen recognition.
  • Understanding cell wall differences between Candida species is crucial for deciphering immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the cell wall composition of Candida parapsilosis complex members with Candida albicans.
  • To investigate the role of cell wall components in the interaction with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of innate immune recognition of the Candida parapsilosis complex.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of fungal cell wall composition (mannan, β-glucan, chitin, porosity).
  • Lectin-based surface exposure analysis.
  • Stimulation assays using human PBMCs and Candida yeast cells or purified cell wall components.
  • Inhibition assays using purified mannans.
  • Analysis of immune receptor involvement (TLR4, Mannose Receptor).

Main Results:

  • Candida parapsilosis complex cell walls have less mannan and more β-glucan and porosity than Candida albicans, with increased chitin and β1,3-glucan surface exposure.
  • Candida parapsilosis complex stimulated higher cytokine production in PBMCs, significantly influenced by O-linked mannans.
  • β1,3-glucan recognition and TLR4 were crucial for immune responses to the Candida parapsilosis complex, while Mannose Receptor mediated TNFα and IL-1β production.

Conclusions:

  • Innate immune recognition of the Candida parapsilosis complex is distinct from Candida albicans, driven by specific cell wall components.
  • Exposure of inner cell wall components influences cytokine stimulation.
  • Purified mannans can act as antagonists to block pathogen recognition by innate immune cells.
Keywords:
Candida albicans host-fungus interactionCandida parapsilosiscell wallcytokinemononuclear cells

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