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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
Visualization of Candida albicans in the Murine Gastrointestinal Tract Using Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization
Published on: November 5, 2019
Adaptation of Candida albicans during gastrointestinal tract colonization
Animesh A Mishra1, Andrew Y Koh1,2
1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with Candida albicans (CA), the most common human fungal pathogen, is the first step towards the development of invasive infection. Yet the fungal virulence factors and host factors that modulate CA GI colonization are still poorly understood. In this review, we will review emerging evidence of the importance of select CA genetic determinants and CA's interaction with the host that contribute to its successful adaptation as a pathobiont in the human GI tract.
Recent Findings:
Recent data reveal the importance of 1) CA genetic determinants; 2) host factors; and 3) environmental factors in modulating CA GI colonization in humans.
Summary:
As evidence continues to grow supporting the notion that the GI tract and its resident microbiota are an integral part of the host immune system, it will be critical for studies to interrogate the interaction of CA with the host (including both the host innate and adaptive immune system as well as the endogenous gut microbiota) in order to dissect the mechanisms of CA pathogenesis and thus lay the foundation for novel therapeutic approaches to prevent and/or treat invasive fungal infections.
Insights
Candida albicans (CA) colonization in the gut is a key step to invasive infection. Understanding CA genetic and host factors is crucial for developing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Candida albicans (CA) is a common human fungal pathogen.
- GI tract colonization by CA precedes invasive infection.
- Factors modulating CA GI colonization are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review emerging evidence on CA genetic determinants and host interactions.
- Understand CA adaptation as a pathobiont in the human GI tract.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies.
- Analysis of CA genetic factors.
- Examination of host-pathogen interactions.
Main Results:
- CA genetic determinants are important for GI colonization.
- Host factors significantly modulate CA GI colonization.
- Environmental factors also play a role in CA GI colonization.
Conclusions:
- The GI tract and its microbiota are integral to the host immune system.
- Interactions between CA, host immunity, and gut microbiota are critical.
- Dissecting these mechanisms will inform novel therapeutic strategies against invasive fungal infections.
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