Cellular Attributes of Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated in Resistance Against Multidrug and Host Immune System
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Published on: September 16, 2022
Dushyant Kumar1, Awanish Kumar1
1Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India.
Abstract:
One of the ubiquitous hospital-acquired infections is associated with Candida albicans fungus. Usually, this commensal fungus causes no harm to its human host, as it lives mutually with mucosal/epithelial tissue surface cells. Nevertheless, due to the activity of various immune weakening factors, this commensal starts reinforcing its virulence attributes with filamentation/hyphal growth and building an absolute microcolony composed of yeast, hyphal, and pseudohyphal cells, which is suspended in an extracellular gel-like polymeric substance (EPS) called biofilms. This polymeric substance is the mixture of the secreted compounds from C. albicans as well as several host cell proteins. Indeed, the presence of these host factors makes their identification and differentiation process difficult by host immune components. The gel-like texture of the EPS makes it sticky, which adsorbs most of the extracolonial compounds traversing through it that aid in penetration hindrance. All these factors further contribute to the multidrug resistance phenotype of C. albicans biofilm that is spotlighted in this article. The mechanisms it employs to escape the host immune system are also addressed effectively. The article focuses on cellular and molecular determinants involved in the resistance of C. albicans biofilm against multidrug and the host immune system.
Insights
Candida albicans forms biofilms, leading to hospital infections. These biofilms resist antifungal drugs and evade the immune system through complex mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- This fungus typically exists as a harmless commensal but can become virulent under immune-compromising conditions.
- Biofilm formation by C. albicans involves yeast, hyphal, and pseudohyphal cells embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multidrug resistance mechanisms of Candida albicans biofilms.
- To explore how C. albicans biofilms evade the host immune system.
- To identify cellular and molecular factors contributing to biofilm resistance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of biofilm structure and composition.
- Investigation of virulence factor expression during biofilm formation.
- Assessment of antifungal drug susceptibility in biofilm states.
- Examination of immune evasion strategies employed by C. albicans biofilms.
Main Results:
- C. albicans biofilms exhibit significant multidrug resistance.
- The EPS matrix, containing host proteins, hinders immune cell recognition and drug penetration.
- Specific cellular and molecular determinants facilitate immune system evasion.
- Filamentation and hyphal growth are key virulence attributes in biofilm formation.
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans biofilms present a significant challenge in healthcare settings due to their resistance.
- Understanding the mechanisms of multidrug resistance and immune evasion is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeting biofilm-specific pathways could offer new therapeutic strategies against C. albicans infections.
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