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Unique Cell Surface Mannan of Yeast Pathogen Candida auris with Selective Binding to IgG
Lufeng Yan1, Ke Xia1, Yanlei Yu1
1Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies and Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biotechnology Center 4005, Troy, New York 12180, United States.
Abstract:
The emerging, multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen Candida auris is responsible for healthcare-associated outbreaks across the globe with high mortality. The rapid spread of C. auris is linked to its successful colonization of human skin, followed by bloodstream infections. We compared glycomics and proteomics of C. auris to closely and distantly related human pathogenic yeasts, C. haemulonii and C. albicans, with the aim to understand the role of cell surface molecules in skin colonization and immune system interactions. Candida auris mannan is distinct from other pathogenic Candida species, as it is highly enriched in β-1,2-linkages. The experimental data showed that C. auris surface mannan β-1,2-linkages were important for the interactions with the immune protein IgG, found in blood and in sweat glands, and with the mannose binding lectin, found in the blood. Candida auris mannan binding to IgG was from 12- to 20-fold stronger than mannan from the more common pathogen C. albicans. The findings suggest unique C. auris mannan could be crucial for the biology and pathogenesis of this emerging pathogen.
Insights
The unique mannan on Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast, enhances its interaction with immune proteins like IgG. This finding may explain its successful skin colonization and spread in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant yeast causing global healthcare-associated outbreaks with high mortality.
- Its rapid spread is linked to successful human skin colonization and subsequent bloodstream infections.
- Understanding cell surface molecules is key to explaining C. auris pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cell surface molecules in Candida auris skin colonization and immune system interactions.
- To compare the glycomics and proteomics of C. auris with related human pathogenic yeasts (C. haemulonii and C. albicans).
Main Methods:
- Comparative glycomics and proteomics analysis of Candida auris, Candida haemulonii, and Candida albicans.
- Experimental validation of cell surface mannan interactions with immune proteins.
Main Results:
- Candida auris mannan exhibits a unique structure, highly enriched in beta-1,2-linkages, distinct from other pathogenic Candida species.
- These unique beta-1,2-linkages are crucial for C. auris mannan's interaction with immune protein IgG and mannose-binding lectin.
- C. auris mannan binding to IgG was significantly stronger (12- to 20-fold) compared to Candida albicans mannan.
Conclusions:
- The unique beta-1,2-linked mannan of Candida auris plays a critical role in its pathogenesis.
- This distinct cell surface feature likely contributes to C. auris's successful immune evasion and colonization.
- Further research into C. auris mannan could reveal novel therapeutic targets.
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