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Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Monitoring Inflammasome Priming and Activation in Response to Candida albicans
Darian J Santana1, Faith M Anderson1, Teresa R O'Meara1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Abstract:
Candida albicans is a common mucosal colonizer, as well as a cause of lethal invasive fungal infections. The major predisposing factor for invasive fungal disease is a compromised immune system. One component of the host immune response to fungal infection is the activation of the inflammasome, a multimeric protein complex that is critical for regulating host pro-inflammatory responses. Here, we describe methods for investigating the interactions between C. albicans and host macrophages, with a focus on the inflammasome. C. albicans isolates differ in the degree to which they activate the inflammasome due to differences in internalization, morphogenic switching, and inflammasome priming. Therefore, we include protocols for identifying these factors. This simple in vitro model can be used to elucidate the contributions of specific C. albicans strains or mutants to different aspects of interactions with macrophages. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Measuring inflammasome priming in response to Candida albicans Basic Protocol 2: Measuring inflammasome activation in response to Candida albicans Support Protocol: Controlling for phagocytosis.
Insights
Investigating Candida albicans interactions with macrophages reveals strain-specific inflammasome activation. Methods assess fungal factors like internalization and switching, crucial for understanding immune responses to fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common fungus that can cause severe infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- The inflammasome is a key protein complex in the immune system, regulating inflammatory responses to pathogens like C. albicans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present methods for studying the interaction between Candida albicans and host macrophages.
- To investigate the role of the inflammasome in the host immune response to C. albicans.
Main Methods:
- Protocols for measuring inflammasome priming and activation in response to C. albicans.
- Methods to assess fungal factors influencing inflammasome activation, including internalization and morphogenic switching.
- A support protocol for controlling for phagocytosis in macrophage-C. albicans interactions.
Main Results:
- C. albicans isolates vary in their ability to activate the inflammasome.
- Differences in C. albicans internalization, morphogenic switching, and inflammasome priming contribute to variable inflammasome activation.
- The described in vitro model allows for the elucidation of strain-specific contributions to macrophage interactions.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a simple in vitro model to analyze C. albicans interactions with macrophages.
- Understanding these interactions is critical for developing strategies against invasive fungal infections.
- The methods allow for detailed investigation of how C. albicans strains modulate host immune responses via the inflammasome.
