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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis

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Glycolytic enzymes of Candida albicans are nonubiquitous immunogens during candidiasis

R K Swoboda1, G Bertram, H Hollander

  • 1Marischal College, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom.

Infection and Immunity
|October 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Researchers screened a Candida albicans cDNA library for immunogenic proteins, identifying several candidates. However, common glycolytic enzymes were not reliable infection markers in patients with oral candidiasis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Identifying immunogenic proteins is crucial for understanding host-pathogen interactions and developing diagnostics.
  • The hyphal form of C. albicans is associated with virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify immunogenic proteins from Candida albicans expressed during the hyphal growth phase.
  • To analyze the sequence homology and potential function of identified cDNAs.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic potential of identified antigens, specifically glycolytic enzymes, in oral candidiasis.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of a cDNA library from hyphal-form Candida albicans.
  • Screening the library using pooled sera from patients with oral candidiasis and healthy controls.
  • DNA sequencing and homology analysis of positive cDNA clones.
  • Antigenicity assessment of glycolytic enzyme candidates.

Main Results:

  • Screening identified 83 positive cDNA clones out of 40,000 screened.
  • Ten clones were randomly selected for further analysis; none belonged to multigene families.
  • Two cDNAs showed homology to pyruvate kinase genes, one to alcohol dehydrogenase genes, and another to a yeast protein of unknown function.
  • Glycolytic enzyme candidates were recognized as antigens by sera from only a few patients.

Conclusions:

  • Several immunogenic proteins from C. albicans were identified, including candidates with homology to known enzymes and proteins of unknown function.
  • While some glycolytic enzymes are immunogenic during C. albicans infections, they are not sufficiently specific or sensitive to serve as accurate diagnostic markers for oral candidiasis.

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