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Extracellular vesicle production: A bidirectional effect in the interplay between host and Candida fungi
Kamila Kulig1, Maria Rapala-Kozik1, Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta1
1Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
Candida fungi exploit various virulence strategies to invade the human host, while host cells employ diverse mechanisms to maintain homeostasis and respond to infection. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are integral components of the multifaceted landscape of host-pathogen interactions, with their abundant production by all contributors involved in these complex and dynamic relations. Herein, we present the current state of knowledge regarding the host response by releasing EVs in reaction to Candida, as well as the influence of fungal EVs on the functionality of the confronted host cells. Fungal vesicles contribute to enhanced adhesion of pathogens to human cells as evidenced for C. auris, and may modulate the production of several cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, TGF-β and TNF-α, thereby exerting pro-infective and pro-inflammatory effects, as described for C. albicans and other Candida species. Whereas the biosynthesis of EVs by host cells can dynamically modulate the proliferation and viability of fungal cells and affect the candidacidal functionality of other effector cells. The reciprocal influence of EVs from host cells and Candida pathogens is a key focus, explaining their significant role in cell signaling and interkingdom communication.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate communication between Candida fungi and host cells. Fungal EVs promote infection, while host EVs can inhibit Candida growth and enhance immune cell function.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Candida fungi employ virulence factors to infect hosts, while host cells use defense mechanisms.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators in host-pathogen interactions, produced by both Candida and host cells.
- Understanding the role of EVs in Candida infections is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on host EVs in response to Candida infection.
- To investigate the impact of fungal EVs on host cell function.
- To elucidate the reciprocal communication between host and Candida EVs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on host-pathogen interactions involving EVs.
- Analysis of research on Candida EVs' effects on host cells, including adhesion and cytokine modulation.
- Examination of host cell EVs' influence on Candida viability and immune cell activity.
Main Results:
- Fungal EVs enhance Candida adhesion to host cells (e.g., C. auris) and modulate cytokine production (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, TGF-β, TNF-α), promoting infection.
- Host cell-derived EVs can inhibit Candida proliferation and viability.
- Host EVs can enhance the candidacidal activity of effector cells.
Conclusions:
- EVs play a significant role in the dynamic interplay between Candida and host cells.
- The reciprocal exchange of EVs contributes to cell signaling and interkingdom communication during infection.
- Targeting EV-mediated communication presents a potential avenue for controlling Candida infections.
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