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Microglial Response to Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans: Implications in Endophthalmitis

Jaishree Gandhi1,2, Poonam Naik1,2, Inderjeet Kaur3

  • 1Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, India.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 9, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Microglial cells mount an inflammatory response to fungal endophthalmitis pathogens. Aspergillus flavus triggers a stronger response via Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) and cytokines than Candida albicans.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Fungal endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection.
  • Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans are common causes of endophthalmitis globally.
  • Microglia are key immune cells in the central nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microglial cells in the inflammatory response to Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans.
  • To compare the differential immune responses of microglia to these two fungal pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Human microglia (CHME-3) cells were infected with Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans.
  • The expression of Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), cytokines, and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was measured.
  • Quantitative analysis of gene and protein expression was performed at various time points.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus flavus infection significantly upregulated TLR-1, -2, -5, -6, -7, -9, and multiple cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17).
  • Candida albicans infection primarily upregulated TLR-2, with downregulation of IL-10 and IL-17.
  • Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was upregulated by both fungal species.

Conclusions:

  • Microglial cells initiate an innate immune response to fungal endophthalmitis pathogens through TLRs and inflammatory mediators.
  • Microglia exhibit distinct responses to yeast (Candida albicans) versus filamentous fungi (Aspergillus flavus).
  • Understanding these differential responses is crucial for developing targeted therapies for fungal endophthalmitis.
Keywords:
Aspergillus sp.Candida sp.endophthalmitisinnate immunemicroglia

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