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Updated: Nov 3, 2025
Live-cell Video Microscopy of Fungal Pathogen Phagocytosis
Published on: January 9, 2013
Candida albicans/Macrophage Biointerface on Human and Porcine Decellularized Adipose Matrices
Mónica Cicuéndez1, Laura Casarrubios1, María José Feito1
1Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Macrophages, cells effective in sensing, internalizing and killing Candida albicans, are intertwined with the extracellular matrix (ECM) through different signals, which include the release of specific cytokines. Due to the importance of these interactions, the employment of in vitro models mimicking a fungal infection scenario is essential to evaluate the ECM effects on the macrophage response. In this work, we have analyzed the effects of human and porcine decellularized adipose matrices (DAMs), obtained by either enzymatic or organic solvent treatment, on the macrophage/Candida albicans interface. The present study has allowed us to detect differences on the activation of macrophages cultured on either human- or porcine-derived DAMs, evidencing changes in the macrophage actin cytoskeleton, such as distinct F-actin-rich membrane structures to surround the pathogen. The macrophage morphological changes observed on these four DAMs are key to understand the defense capability of these cells against this fungal pathogen. This work has contributed to the knowledge of the influence that the extracellular matrix and its components can exert on macrophage metabolism, immunocompetence and capacity to respond to the microenvironment in a possible infection scenario.
Insights
This study explored how decellularized adipose matrices (DAMs) affect macrophage interactions with Candida albicans. Macrophages showed distinct morphological changes on human and porcine DAMs, influencing their antifungal defense capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells that interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) during infections like Candida albicans.
- Understanding ECM's influence on macrophage function is vital for developing effective antifungal strategies.
- In vitro models are essential for studying these complex interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of human and porcine decellularized adipose matrices (DAMs) on macrophage responses to Candida albicans.
- To analyze how different DAM processing methods (enzymatic vs. organic solvent) influence macrophage behavior.
- To elucidate the role of ECM in modulating macrophage antifungal activity.
Main Methods:
- Decellularized adipose matrices (DAMs) were prepared from human and porcine sources using enzymatic or organic solvent treatments.
- Macrophages were cultured on these four distinct DAMs.
- Macrophage interactions with Candida albicans were analyzed, focusing on morphological changes and actin cytoskeleton rearrangements.
Main Results:
- Macrophages exhibited differential activation and morphological changes when cultured on human versus porcine DAMs.
- Distinct F-actin-rich membrane structures were observed in macrophages engulfing Candida albicans, varying with DAM type.
- These observed morphological changes are linked to macrophage defense capabilities against the fungal pathogen.
Conclusions:
- Decellularized adipose matrices significantly influence macrophage behavior and their ability to combat Candida albicans.
- The origin (human vs. porcine) and processing of DAMs impact macrophage activation and cytoskeletal dynamics.
- This research enhances understanding of ECM's role in macrophage immunocompetence during fungal infections.
