In vitro synergistic effect of farnesol and human gingival cells againstCandida albicans

The fungal quorum-sensing molecule, farnesol, regulates the immune response of vaginal epithelial cells against Candida albicans

BACKGROUND

Farnesol is a Candida-secreted quorum-sensing molecule of great interest as a potential antifungal agent for serious and hardly curable infections-candidiasis, especially vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

METHODS

The effect of farnesol on cellular morphology and viability and evaluated the production of Th1 (IL-2), Th2 (IL-4), proinflammatory (IL-6), chemotactic (IL-8), and Th17 (IL-17) cytokines in the culture supernatants of vaginal epithelial cell line (VK2) were evaluated. Moreover, we tested the inhibitory effect of farnesol on C. albicans adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to observe any VK2 cell ultrastructural changes.

RESULTS

Only low concentrations (≤ 50 µmol/L) of farnesol did not affect the morphology and viability of the VK2 cells (P > 0.05). Farnesol reduced the adhesion of C. albicans to the VK2 cells. When treated with farnesol, statistical elevated levels of both IL-4 and IL-17 secreted by the infected VK2 cells were present in the culture supernatants (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Farnesol acts as a stimulator to up-regulate the Th17-type innate immune response, as well as Th2-type humoral immunity following C. albicans infection. Further research is required to select the optimal therapeutic dose to develop efficacious and safe mucosal immune adjuvant for treating VVCs.

Augmented Enterocyte Damage During Candida albicans and Proteus mirabilis Coinfection

The human gut acts as the main reservoir of microbes and a relevant source of life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. There, the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans adapts to the host environment and additionally interacts with residing bacteria. We investigated fungal-bacterial interactions by coinfecting enterocytes with the yeast Candida albicans and the Gram-negative bacterium Proteus mirabilis resulting in enhanced host cell damage. This synergistic effect was conserved across different P. mirabilis isolates and occurred also with non-albicans Candida species and C. albicans mutants defective in filamentation or candidalysin production. Using bacterial deletion mutants, we identified the P. mirabilis hemolysin HpmA to be the key effector for host cell destruction. Spatially separated coinfections demonstrated that synergism between Candida and Proteus is induced by contact, but also by soluble factors. Specifically, we identified Candida-mediated glucose consumption and farnesol production as potential triggers for Proteus virulence. In summary, our study demonstrates that coinfection of enterocytes with C. albicans and P. mirabilis can result in increased host cell damage which is mediated by bacterial virulence factors as a result of fungal niche modification via nutrient consumption and production of soluble factors. This supports the notion that certain fungal-bacterial combinations have the potential to result in enhanced virulence in niches such as the gut and might therefore promote translocation and dissemination.

Chemical profiling, antimicrobial and insecticidal evaluations of Polygonum hydropiper L

Background

The emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens is of great concern to the global health community. Our ability to effectively treat diseases is based on the discovery of potent drugs for the treatment of these challenging diseases. Traditional medicines are one of the major sources for the discovery of safe, effective and economical drug candidates. In order to validate its antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal potentials with respect to traditional uses, we have screened for the first time Polygonum hydropiper against pathogenic bacterial, fungal strains and a variety of insects.

Methods

Polygonum hydropiper samples including crude extract (Ph.Cr), subsequent fractions; n-hexane (Ph.Hex), chloroform (Ph.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ph.EtAc), n-Butanol (Ph.Bt), aqueous (Ph.Aq) and crude saponins (Ph.Sp) were tested against pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Insecticidal activities were performed against Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica and Monomorium pharaonis. Ph.Cr was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for preliminary identification of chemical constituents.

Results

In disc diffusion assay, Ph.Chf, Ph.Hex, Ph.EtAc and Ph.Sp exhibited highest activity against Enterococcus faecalis. MICs of Ph.Chf against Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, P. mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 32.00, 13.33, 10.66, 5.33, 64.00, 8.66 and 10.66 μg/ml respectively. MFC’s of Ph.Chf against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum were 16.66, 23.33, 125.00 and 46.66 μg/ml respectively. Ph.EtAc, Ph.Sp, Ph.Chf and Ph.Bt were most active fractions against T. castaneum and R. dominica. Ph.Sp being most active against A. punctatum exhibited LC₅₀ of < 0.01 mg/ml. In GC-MS analysis of Ph.Cr, 124 compounds were identified among which several bioactive antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal compounds were found.

Conclusions

P. hydropiper samples exhibited broad spectrum of activity against bacterial and fungal strains. Our results support previously reported insecticidal properties of saponins and may provide scientific justification for the ethno-medicinal uses of the plant.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1491-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The fungal quorum-sensing molecule farnesol activates innate immune cells but suppresses cellular adaptive immunity

Farnesol, produced by the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans, is the first quorum-sensing molecule discovered in eukaryotes. Its main function is control of C. albicans filamentation, a process closely linked to pathogenesis. In this study, we analyzed the effects of farnesol on innate immune cells known to be important for fungal clearance and protective immunity. Farnesol enhanced the expression of activation markers on monocytes (CD86 and HLA-DR) and neutrophils (CD66b and CD11b) and promoted oxidative burst and the release of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha [MIP-1α]). However, this activation did not result in enhanced fungal uptake or killing. Furthermore, the differentiation of monocytes to immature dendritic cells (iDC) was significantly affected by farnesol. Several markers important for maturation and antigen presentation like CD1a, CD83, CD86, and CD80 were significantly reduced in the presence of farnesol. Furthermore, farnesol modulated migrational behavior and cytokine release and impaired the ability of DC to induce T cell proliferation. Of major importance was the absence of interleukin 12 (IL-12) induction in iDC generated in the presence of farnesol. Transcriptome analyses revealed a farnesol-induced shift in effector molecule expression and a down-regulation of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor during monocytes to iDC differentiation. Taken together, our data unveil the ability of farnesol to act as a virulence factor of C. albicans by influencing innate immune cells to promote inflammation and mitigating the Th1 response, which is essential for fungal clearance.

Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule which controls morphological plasticity of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. As such, it is a major mediator of intraspecies communication. Here, we investigated the impact of farnesol on human innate immune cells known to be important for fungal clearance and protective immunity. We show that farnesol is able to enhance inflammation by inducing activation of neutrophils and monocytes. At the same time, farnesol impairs differentiation of monocytes into immature dendritic cells (iDC) by modulating surface phenotype, cytokine release and migrational behavior. Consequently, iDC generated in the presence of farnesol are unable to induce proper T cell responses and fail to secrete Th1 promoting interleukin 12 (IL-12). As farnesol induced down-regulation of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor, desensitization to GM-CSF could potentially explain transcriptional reprofiling of iDC effector molecules. Taken together, our data show that farnesol can also mediate Candida-host communication and is able to act as a virulence factor.

Candida survival strategies

Only few Candida species, e.g., Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida parapsilosis, are successful colonizers of a human host. Under certain circumstances these species can cause infections ranging from superficial to life-threatening disseminated candidiasis. The success of C. albicans, the most prevalent and best studied Candida species, as both commensal and human pathogen depends on its genetic, biochemical, and morphological flexibility which facilitates adaptation to a wide range of host niches. In addition, formation of biofilms provides additional protection from adverse environmental conditions. Furthermore, in many host niches Candida cells coexist with members of the human microbiome. The resulting fungal-bacterial interactions have a major influence on the success of C. albicans as commensal and also influence disease development and outcome. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge of important survival strategies of Candida spp., focusing on fundamental fitness and virulence traits of C. albicans.

Farnesol, a fungal quorum-sensing molecule triggers Candida albicans morphological changes by downregulating the expression of different secreted aspartyl proteinase genes

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous farnesol in yeast-to-hyphae morphogenesis, and Saps (2, 4, 5 and 6) mRNA expressions by a Candida strain that does not produce endogenous farnesol. C. albicans was cultured in the absence and presence of farnesol at various concentrations (10, 100, and 300 µM), in proteinase induction medium, and then used to determine yeast-to- hyphae changes, Candida ultrastructure and to determine Saps 2, 4, 5 and 6 expressions using q-TR-PCR and ELISA (for Sap2). Data demonstrated that farnesol greatly reduced the yeast-to-hyphae morphogenesis of a Candida strain that does not produce endogenous farnesol. Farnesol induced several ultrastructural alterations, including changes in the cell-wall shape, a visible disconnection between the cell wall and cytoplasm with an electron-lucent zone between them, and the presence of electron-dense vacuoles. Tested on gene expressions, farnesol was able to significantly (p < 0.01) decrease Sap2 secretion and mRNA expression. Farnesol downregulated also Sap4-6 mRNA expression. These results demonstrated for the first time that farnesol modules Candida morphogenesis through a downregulation of Saps 2, 4, 5 and 6 expressions. Overall these data point to the potential use of farnesol as an antifungal molecule

Effect of exogenous administration of Candida albicans autoregulatory alcohols in a murine model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis

Candida albicans supernatants contain a mixture of autoregulatory alcohols. In vitro, when added individually or in combination, these alcohols inhibit the yeast to filamentous form conversion. Here we evaluate the in vivo effect of the exogenous administration of a Cocktail solution simulating the composition of alcohols present in a C. albicans culture supernatant (1 ml; 94 μmol l(-1) isoamyl alcohol, 70 μmol l(-1) 2-phenylethanol, 3.2 n mol l(-1) E -nerolidol, and 18 n mol l(-1) E,E -farnesol) using the well established murine model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. Mice injected intraperitoneally with the Cocktail solution demonstrated increased survival and decreased organ fungal burden compared to control mice. Histological observations suggest that the Cocktail, to some extent, has an inhibitory effect on cell filamentation within the kidney. These findings suggest that the exogenous administration of C. albicans autoregulatory alcohols displays a protective effect during disseminated candidiasis.

Modulation of morphogenesis in Candida albicans by various small molecules

The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, a member of the mucosal microbiota, is responsible for a large spectrum of infections, ranging from benign thrush and vulvovaginitis in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals to severe, life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. A striking feature of C. albicans is its ability to grow as budding yeast and as filamentous forms, including hyphae and pseudohyphae. The yeast-to-hypha transition contributes to the overall virulence of C. albicans and may even constitute a target for the development of antifungal drugs. Indeed, impairing morphogenesis in C. albicans has been shown to be a means to treat candidiasis. Additionally, a large number of small molecules such as farnesol, fatty acids, rapamycin, geldanamycin, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and cell cycle inhibitors have been reported to modulate the yeast-to-hypha transition in C. albicans. In this minireview, we take a look at molecules that modulate morphogenesis in this pathogenic yeast. When possible, we address experimental findings regarding their mechanisms of action and their therapeutic potential. We discuss whether or not modulating morphogenesis constitutes a strategy to treat Candida infections.

Cellular interactions of farnesol, a quorum-sensing molecule produced by Candida albicans

Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule produced by Candida albicans that has many effects, including filament inhibition of this polymorphic fungus. In the past 9 years, the effect of farnesol on C. albicans has been reported in nearly 160 publications, with early work examining its influence on morphology. This article presents an update on the literature published since 2006, focusing on points that still need to be resolved as well as identifying possible artifacts that might interfere with this goal. In addition, the regulation of C. albicans farnesol production, C. albicans' resistance/sensitivity to farnesol and the influence of farnesol on other species as well as the host are discussed. It is intriguing that we still do not know precisely how farnesol works, but interference with the Ras1-cAMP pathway is part of the story.

In vitro efficacy of nisin Z against Candida albicans adhesion and transition following contact with normal human gingival cells

AIM

To investigate the nisin Z innocuity using normal human gingival fibroblast and epithelial cell cultures, and its synergistic effect with these gingival cells against Candida albicans adhesion and transition from blastospore to hyphal form.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cells were cultured to 80% confluence and infected with C. albicans in the absence or presence of various concentrations of nisin Z. Our results indicate that only high concentrations of nisin Z promoted gingival cell detachment and differentiation. Determination of the LD(50) showed that the fibroblasts were able to tolerate up to 80 microg ml(-1) for 24 h, dropping thereafter to 62 mug ml(-1) after 72 h of contact, compared to 160 microg ml(-1) after 24 h, and 80 microg ml(-1) after 72 h recorded by the gingival epithelial cells which displayed a greater resistance to nisin Z. The use of nisin Z even at low concentration (25 microg ml(-1)) at appropriate concentrations with gingival cells significantly reduced C. albicans adhesion to gingival monolayer cultures and inhibited the yeast's transition.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that when used at non-toxic levels for human cells, nisin Z can be effective against C. albicans adhesion and transition and may synergistically interact with gingival cells for an efficient resistance against C. albicans.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study suggests the potential usefulness of nisin Z as an antifungal agent, when used in an appropriate range.

Quorum sensing and Candida albicans

Candida albicans is one of the most commonly identified nosocomially acquired pathogens. This organism has a number of virulence traits including production of degrading enzymes, the ability to undergo phenotypic switching, and can rapidly undergo morphogenic switch from a blastospore (yeast) phase to that of a hyphal state. Interest in C. albicans morphogenic regulation has been the focus of a large number of studies, which have characterised transcriptional modulators of these morphologies. Recently, C. albicans has been shown to regulate its morphogenic shift through changes in cell density. It was observed that C. albicans inoculated at cell densities below 10(6) cells ml(-1) under conditions which favour hyphal morphogenesis (pH 7.5, 37 degrees C), will germinate to form hyphae. However, if cells densities are greater than 10(6) cells ml(-1), little germination will occur and cells will maintain yeast morphology. The basis for this cell-density-dependent control of morphogenesis is similar to that which is seen with bacterial cells regulating their activities via quorum sensing (QS). A number of molecules have been identified which affect the ability of C. albicans to undergo the yeast-to-hyphal shift, and three compounds have been demonstrated to be quorum-sensing molecules. The scope of this review is to bring to light what is now understood about QS in C. albicans and address the roles of these molecules in relation to virulence in the host and potential roles in cross-kingdom interactions.

Effect of farnesol on a mouse model of systemic candidiasis, determined by use of a DPP3 knockout mutant of Candida albicans

This work extends our previous observation that the fungus Candida albicans secretes micromolar levels of farnesol and that accumulation of farnesol in vitro prevents the yeast-to-mycelium conversion in a quorum-sensing manner. What does farnesol do in vivo? The purpose of this study was to determine the role of farnesol during infection with a well-established mouse model of systemic candidiasis with C. albicans A72 administered by tail vein injection. This question was addressed by altering both endogenous and exogenous farnesol. For endogenous farnesol, we created a knockout mutation in DPP3, the gene encoding a phosphatase which converts farnesyl pyrophosphate to farnesol. This mutant (KWN2) produced six times less farnesol and was ca. 4.2 times less pathogenic than its SN152 parent. The strain with DPP3 reconstituted (KWN4) regained both its farnesol production levels and pathogenicity. These mutants (KWN1 to KWN4) retained their full dimorphic capability. With regard to exogenous farnesol, farnesol was administered either intraperitoneally (i.p.) or orally in the drinking water. Mice receiving C. albicans intravenously and farnesol (20 mM) orally had enhanced mortality (P < 0.03). Similarly, mice (n = 40) injected with 1.0 ml of 20 mM farnesol i.p. had enhanced mortality (P < 0.03), and the onset of mortality was 30 h sooner than for mice which received a control injection without farnesol. The effect of i.p. farnesol was more pronounced (P < 0.04) when mice were inoculated with a sublethal dose of C. albicans. These mice started to die 4 days earlier, and the percent survival on day 6 postinoculation (p.i.) was five times lower than for mice receiving C. albicans with control i.p. injections. In all experiments, mice administered farnesol alone or Tween 80 alone remained normal throughout a 14-day observation period. Finally, beginning at 12 h p.i., higher numbers of C. albicans cells were detected in kidneys from mice receiving i.p. farnesol than in those from mice receiving control i.p. injections. Thus, reduced endogenous farnesol decreased virulence, while providing exogenous farnesol increased virulence. Taken together, these data suggest that farnesol may play a role in disease pathogenesis, either directly or indirectly, and thus may represent a newly identified virulence factor.