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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
The effect of herbal medicine in innate immunity to Candida albicans
Meng-Yuan Bao1, Ming Li2, Qing-Ru Bu1
1School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
Abstract:
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that often causes mucosal and systemic infections. Several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), have been implicated in the host recognition of C. albicans. These PRRs recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of C. albicans to activate innate immune cells, thereby rapidly inducing various inflammatory responses by activating intracellular signaling cascades. Herbal medicine and its active components deserve priority development due to their low toxicity and high antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. This review discussed the activities of herbal compounds against C. albicans and their related mechanisms, especially their regulatory role on innate immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) implicated in C. albicans infections. Our work aims to find new therapeutic drugs and targets to prevent and treat diseases caused by C. albicans infection with the mechanisms by which this fungus interacts with the innate immune response.
Insights
Herbal compounds show promise in combating Candida albicans infections by modulating innate immune cells. This review explores their mechanisms for potential new antifungal therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a pathogenic fungus causing mucosal and systemic infections.
- Innate immune cells recognize C. albicans via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like TLRs and CLRs, triggering inflammatory responses.
- Herbal medicines offer low toxicity and potent antimicrobial activities, warranting investigation for antifungal applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antifungal activities of herbal compounds against Candida albicans.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which these compounds interact with innate immune cells.
- To identify potential new therapeutic targets for C. albicans infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on herbal compounds and C. albicans.
- Analysis of mechanisms involving innate immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells).
- Focus on the interplay between C. albicans and the host innate immune response.
Main Results:
- Herbal compounds exhibit significant antifungal activity against C. albicans.
- These compounds modulate the function of key innate immune cells, influencing the host response.
- Specific mechanisms of action include the regulation of intracellular signaling cascades.
Conclusions:
- Herbal medicines and their components represent a promising avenue for developing novel treatments against C. albicans.
- Understanding the immunomodulatory effects of these compounds is crucial for therapeutic development.
- Further research into these mechanisms can lead to effective strategies for preventing and treating candidiasis.
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