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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
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Pathogenesis and virulence of Candida albicans

José Pedro Lopes1, Michail S Lionakis1

  • 1From the Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, MD, USA.

Virulence
|December 29, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Candida albicans is a common fungus that can cause serious infections when the body's defenses are weakened. This review explores how it becomes pathogenic and how the immune system fights it.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of human mucosal surfaces.
  • Factors like antibiotic use and immunosuppression can lead to opportunistic infections.
  • These infections range from mild mucocutaneous diseases to life-threatening systemic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the factors determining Candida albicans pathogenicity.
  • To summarize host immune responses to Candida albicans infections.
  • To understand tissue-specific defense mechanisms against this opportunistic pathogen.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research.
  • Analysis of host-pathogen interactions.
  • Examination of immune system's role in controlling Candida albicans.

Main Results:

  • Candida albicans pathogenicity is influenced by specific host and fungal factors.
  • The immune system employs diverse mechanisms to combat Candida albicans.
  • Understanding these interactions is key to managing infections.

Conclusions:

  • Knowledge of tissue-specific determinants is crucial for understanding Candida albicans pathogenesis.
  • Effective host immune defense is vital in preventing invasive candidiasis.
  • Further research can inform better therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
Candida albicanscandidiasishost-pathogen interactionsimmunitypathogenesisvirulence

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