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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
08:48

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis

Published on: March 19, 2019

Candida proteinases and candidosis

L J Douglas1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Glasgow, Scotland.

Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Candida albicans secretes an acid proteinase, a key virulence factor in common yeast infections. This enzyme degrades immune proteins, impacting treatment strategies for candidiasis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Microbial Pathogenesis
  • Enzymology

Background:

  • Opportunistic yeast infections, particularly Candida albicans, are a growing global health concern.
  • Superficial candidiasis (e.g., vaginitis) is common and often treatment-resistant.
  • Systemic candidosis poses a significant risk in immunocompromised patients and those undergoing invasive medical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the properties of extracellular acid proteinases secreted by Candida albicans.
  • To discuss the role of these proteinases as virulence factors in Candida infections.
  • To explore potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications based on proteinase activity.

Main Methods:

  • Purification and characterization of two secretory proteinases from Candida albicans.
  • Review of existing literature on Candida proteinases and their enzymatic activities.
  • Analysis of proteinase substrate specificities, including secretory IgA, keratin, and collagen.

Main Results:

  • Candida albicans secretes extracellular acid proteinases, a virulence factor also found in Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis.
  • These enzymes are carboxyl proteinases capable of degrading secretory IgA.
  • Some proteinases exhibit keratinolytic and collagenolytic activities, contributing to tissue invasion.

Conclusions:

  • Candida secretory proteinases are significant virulence factors contributing to the pathogenesis of candidiasis.
  • Understanding these enzymes offers potential for developing novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic interventions for Candida infections.
  • Targeting proteinase activity could represent a strategy to combat both superficial and systemic candidiasis.

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