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Updated: Jul 20, 2025
Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: February 18, 2015
The evil companion of OSCC: Candida albicans
Zhixin Yang1, Shiyu Zhang1, Ning Ji1
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.
Objective:
Microbial dysbiosis and microbiome-induced inflammation may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most prevalent opportunistic pathogenic fungus in the oral cavity, and Candida infection is considered as one of its high-risk factors. Although oral microbiota-host interactions are closely associated with the development of OSCC, the interrelationship between fungi and OSCC is poorly understood compared to that between bacteria and viruses.
Results:
We accumulated knowledge of the evidence, pathogenic factors, and possible multiple mechanisms by which C. albicans promotes malignant transformation of OSCC, focusing on the induction of epithelial damage, production of carcinogens, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. In addition, we highlight the latest treatment strategies for Candida infection.
Conclusion:
This review provides a new perspective on the interrelationship between C. albicans and OSCC and contributes to the establishment of a systematic and reliable clinical treatment system for OSCC patients with C. albicans infection.
