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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Microfluidic Tools for Probing Fungal-Microbial Interactions at the Cellular Level
Published on: June 23, 2022
Critical parameters of fungal pathogenicity at the epithelial interphase
Anna Möslinger1, Stefanie Allert1, Slavena Vylkova2
1Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany.
Abstract:
Modern medical advances have contributed to a growing population of immunocompromised individuals, increasing susceptibility to human fungal pathogens. The leading species for invasive fungal diseases are Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. While C. albicans is a common colonizer of mucosal sites that can cause endogenous infections, A. fumigatus is an environmental fungus that typically infects individuals through the inhalation of spores. As a first point of contact, the epithelial cell layers serve both as a physical barrier and a sentinel to alert the immune system. Numerous fungal and host-derived mediators have been described that facilitate fungal adherence, invasion into epithelial cells, and subsequent host tissue damage. In cases of systemic infection, this can lead to fungal dissemination. This review focusses on the early interactions-specifically adhesion and invasion-between epithelial cells and the fungal pathogens C. albicans and A. fumigatus.
Insights
This review examines early interactions between epithelial cells and fungal pathogens like Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Understanding fungal adhesion and invasion is crucial for managing infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Growing immunocompromised populations increase susceptibility to fungal infections.
- Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus are leading causes of invasive fungal diseases.
- Epithelial cells act as the first line of defense against fungal pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the early interactions between epithelial cells and fungal pathogens.
- Focus on fungal adhesion and invasion mechanisms.
- Highlight the role of epithelial cells in host defense against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies.
- Analysis of research on fungal-epithelial cell interactions.
- Synthesis of findings on adhesion and invasion processes.
Main Results:
- Epithelial cells are critical barriers and sentinels against fungal pathogens.
- Fungal mediators facilitate adherence and invasion into epithelial cells.
- Early interactions can lead to host tissue damage and systemic infection.
Conclusions:
- Understanding fungal adhesion and invasion is vital for preventing invasive fungal diseases.
- Epithelial cell interactions are key to controlling Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus infections.
- Further research into these early interactions can inform therapeutic strategies.
