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Nickels TJ, Gale AN, Harrington AA, Timp W, Cunningham KW. Transposon-sequencing (Tn-seq) of the Candida glabrata reference strain CBS138 reveals epigenetic plasticity, structural variation, and intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to micafungin. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae173. [PMID: 39047065 PMCID: PMC11373651 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Candida glabrata (also called Nakaseomyces glabratus) is an opportunistic pathogen that can resist common antifungals and rapidly acquire multidrug resistance. A large amount of genetic variation exists between isolates, which complicates generalizations. Portable transposon-sequencing (Tn-seq) methods can efficiently provide genome-wide information on strain differences and genetic mechanisms. Using the Hermes transposon, the CBS138 reference strain and a commonly studied derivative termed 2001 were subjected to Tn-seq in control conditions and after exposure to varying doses of the clinical antifungal micafungin. The approach revealed large differences between these strains, including a 131-kb tandem duplication and a variety of fitness differences. Additionally, both strains exhibited up to 1,000-fold increased transposon accessibility in subtelomeric regions relative to the BG2 strain, indicative of open subtelomeric chromatin in these isolates and large epigenetic variation within the species. Unexpectedly, the Pdr1 transcription factor conferred resistance to micafungin through targets other than CDR1. Other micafungin resistance pathways were also revealed including mannosyltransferase activity and biosynthesis of the lipid precursor sphingosine, the inhibition of which by SDZ 90-215 and myriocin enhanced the potency of micafungin in vitro. These findings provide insights into the complexity of the C. glabrata species as well as strategies for improving antifungal efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Nickels
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Andrew N Gale
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | | | - Winston Timp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Kyle W Cunningham
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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Nickels TJ, Gale AP, Harrington AA, Timp W, Cunningham KW. Tn-seq of the Candida glabrata reference strain CBS138 reveals epigenetic plasticity, structural variation, and intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to micafungin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592251. [PMID: 38746084 PMCID: PMC11092758 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
C. glabrata is an opportunistic pathogen that can resist common antifungals and rapidly acquire multidrug resistance. A large amount of genetic variation exists between isolates, which complicates generalizations. Portable Tn-seq methods can efficiently provide genome-wide information on strain differences and genetic mechanisms. Using the Hermes transposon, the CBS138 reference strain and a commonly studied derivative termed 2001 were subjected to Tn-seq in control conditions and after exposure to varying doses of the clinical antifungal micafungin. The approach revealed large differences between these strains, including a 131 kb tandem duplication and a variety of fitness differences. Additionally, both strains exhibited up to 1000-fold increased transposon accessibility in subtelomeric regions relative to the BG2 strain, indicative of open subtelomeric chromatin in these isolates and large epigenetic variation within the species. Unexpectedly, the Pdr1 transcription factor conferred resistance to micafungin through targets other than CDR1 . Other micafungin resistance pathways were also revealed including mannosyltransferase activity and biosynthesis of the lipid precursor sphingosine, the drugging of which by SDZ 90-215 or myriocin enhanced the potency of micafungin in vitro . These findings provide insights into complexity of the C. glabrata species as well as strategies for improving antifungal efficacy. Summary Candida glabrata is an emerging pathogen with large genetic diversity and genome plasticity. The type strain CBS138 and a laboratory derivative were mutagenized with the Hermes transposon and profiled using Tn-seq. Numerous genes that regulate innate and acquired resistance to an important clinical antifungal were uncovered, including a pleiotropic drug resistance gene (PDR1) and a duplication of part of one chromosome. Compounds that target PDR1 and other genes may augment the potency of existing antifungals.
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Wang T, Pan M, Bao M, Bu Q, Yang R, Yang Y, Shao J, Wang C, Li N. Ethyl caffeate combined with fluconazole exhibits efficacy against azole-resistant oropharyngeal candidiasis via the EFGR/JNK/c-JUN signaling pathway. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad114. [PMID: 37947257 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethyl caffeate (EC) is a phenylpropanoid compound derived from Elephantopus scaber. In our previous work, EC was investigated to have a strong synergistic antifungal effect against azole-resistant strains of Candida albicans when combined with fluconazole (FLU). However, the protective effect and mechanism of EC + FLU on oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) caused by drug-resistant strains of C. albicans have not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of EC combined with FLU against C. albicans-resistant strains that lead to OPC. An OPC mouse model revealed that EC + FLU treatment reduced fungal load and massive hyphal invasion of tongue tissues, and ameliorated the integrity of the tongue mucosa. Periodic acid-Schiff staining results showed more structural integrity of the tongue tissues and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration after EC + FLU treatment. Phosphorylation of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and other proteins in the EFGR/JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase)/c-JUN (transcription factor Jun) signaling pathway was significantly downregulated by EC + FLU. EGFR and S100A9 mRNA expression were also reduced. The above results were verified in FaDu cells. ELISA results showed that the concentration of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant was significantly reduced after EC combined with FLU treatment. Molecular docking revealed that EC exhibited high binding energy to EGFR. In conclusion, EC enhances the susceptibility of azole-resistant C. albicans to FLU, and the underlying mechanism is related to the inhibition of the EGFR/JNK/c-JUN signaling pathway. This result suggests that EC has potential to be developed as an antifungal sensitizer to treat OPC caused by azole-resistant C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meshan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Min Pan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Mengyuan Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Qingru Bu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Ruotong Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jing Shao
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Changzhong Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Ning Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meshan Road, Hefei 230032, China
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Ndlovu E, Malpartida L, Sultana T, Dahms TES, Dague E. Host Cell Geometry and Cytoskeletal Organization Governs Candida-Host Cell Interactions at the Nanoscale. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37888912 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Candida is one of the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens in humans. Its adhesion to the host cell is required in parasitic states and is important for pathogenesis. Many studies have shown that there is an increased risk of developing candidiasis when normal tissue barriers are weakened or when immune defenses are compromised, for example, during cancer treatment that induces immunosuppression. The mechanical properties of malignant cells, such as adhesiveness and viscoelasticity, which contribute to cellular invasion and migration are different from those of noncancerous cells. To understand host invasion and its relationship with host cell health, we probed the interaction of Candida spp. with cancerous and noncancerous human cell lines using atomic force microscopy in the single-cell force spectroscopy mode. There was significant adhesion between Candida and human cells, with more adhesion to cancerous versus noncancerous cell lines. This increase in adhesion is related to the mechanobiological properties of cancer cells, which have a disorganized cytoskeleton and lower rigidity. Altered geometry and cytoskeletal disruption of the human cells impacted adhesion parameters, underscoring the role of cytoskeletal organization in Candida-human cell adhesion and implicating the manipulation of cell properties as a potential future therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Easter Ndlovu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina S4S 0A2, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lucas Malpartida
- National Centre for Scientific Research, Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems (LAAS), 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, BP 54200, Toulouse cedex 4 31031, France
| | - Taranum Sultana
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina S4S 0A2, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Tanya E S Dahms
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina S4S 0A2, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Etienne Dague
- National Centre for Scientific Research, Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems (LAAS), 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, BP 54200, Toulouse cedex 4 31031, France
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Yi J, Sun Y, Zeng C, Kostoulias X, Qu Y. The Role of Biofilms in Contact Lens Associated Fungal Keratitis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1533. [PMID: 37887234 PMCID: PMC10604847 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is an important microbial strategy for fungal pathogens, such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida, to establish keratitis in patients wearing soft contact lenses. Despite the well-documented 2006 outbreak of Fusarium keratitis that eventually led to the withdrawal of the Bausch & Lomb multipurpose lens care solution ReNu with MoistureLoc ("MoistureLoc") from the global market, contact lens care systems and solutions currently available on the market do not specifically target fungal biofilms. This is partially due to the lack of recognition and understanding of important roles that fungal biofilms play in contact lens associated fungal keratitis (CLAFK). This review aims to reemphasize the link between fungal biofilms and CLAFK, and deepen our comprehension of its importance in pathogenesis and persistence of this medical device-related infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipan Yi
- Department of Optometry, Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College, Wenzhou 325000, China; (J.Y.); (C.Z.)
| | - Yao Sun
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (Y.S.); (X.K.)
| | - Chenghong Zeng
- Department of Optometry, Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College, Wenzhou 325000, China; (J.Y.); (C.Z.)
| | - Xenia Kostoulias
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (Y.S.); (X.K.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Yue Qu
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (Y.S.); (X.K.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3000, Australia
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Andika IB, Cao X, Kondo H, Sun L. The intriguing phenomenon of cross-kingdom infections of plant and insect viruses to fungi: Can other animal viruses also cross-infect fungi? PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011726. [PMID: 37883353 PMCID: PMC10602238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi are highly widespread and commonly colonize multicellular organisms that live in natural environments. Notably, studies on viruses infecting plant-associated fungi have revealed the interesting phenomenon of the cross-kingdom transmission of viruses and viroids from plants to fungi. This implies that fungi, in addition to absorbing water, nutrients, and other molecules from the host, can acquire intracellular parasites that reside in the host. These findings further suggest that fungi can serve as suitable alternative hosts for certain plant viruses and viroids. Given the frequent coinfection of fungi and viruses in humans/animals, the question of whether fungi can also acquire animal viruses and serve as their hosts is very intriguing. In fact, the transmission of viruses from insects to fungi has been observed. Furthermore, the common release of animal viruses into the extracellular space (viral shedding) could potentially facilitate their acquisition by fungi. Investigations of the cross-infection of animal viruses in fungi may provide new insights into the epidemiology of viral diseases in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Bagus Andika
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinran Cao
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- Shouguang International Vegetable Sci-tech Fair Management Service Center, Shouguang, China
| | - Hideki Kondo
- Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Liying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
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Faiyazuddin M, Sophia A, Ashique S, Gholap AD, Gowri S, Mohanto S, Karthikeyan C, Nag S, Hussain A, Akhtar MS, Bakht MA, Ahmed MG, Rustagi S, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Salas-Matta LA, Mohanty A, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Sah R. Virulence traits and novel drug delivery strategies for mucormycosis post-COVID-19: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264502. [PMID: 37818370 PMCID: PMC10561264 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of a fatal black fungus infection after the resurgence of the cadaverous COVID-19 has exhorted scientists worldwide to develop a nutshell by repurposing or designing new formulations to address the crisis. Patients expressing COVID-19 are more susceptible to Mucormycosis (MCR) and thus fall easy prey to decease accounting for this global threat. Their mortality rates range around 32-70% depending on the organs affected and grow even higher despite the treatment. The many contemporary recommendations strongly advise using liposomal amphotericin B and surgery as first-line therapy whenever practicable. MCR is a dangerous infection that requires an antifungal drug administration on appropriate prescription, typically one of the following: Amphotericin B, Posaconazole, or Isavuconazole since the fungi that cause MCR are resistant to other medications like fluconazole, voriconazole, and echinocandins. Amphotericin B and Posaconazole are administered through veins (intravenously), and isavuconazole by mouth (orally). From last several years so many compounds are developed against invasive fungal disease but only few of them are able to induce effective treatment against the micorals. Adjuvant medicines, more particularly, are difficult to assess without prospective randomized controlled investigations, which are challenging to conduct given the lower incidence and higher mortality from Mucormycosis. The present analysis provides insight into pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, underlying fungal virulence, and growth mechanisms. In addition, current therapy for MCR in Post Covid-19 individuals includes conventional and novel nano-based advanced management systems for procuring against deadly fungal infection. The study urges involving nanomedicine to prevent fungal growth at the commencement of infection, delay the progression, and mitigate fatality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Faiyazuddin
- School of Pharmacy, Al – Karim University, Katihar, Bihar, India
- Nano Drug Delivery®, Raleigh-Durham, NC, United States
| | - A. Sophia
- PG & Research Department of Physics, Cauvery College for Women (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sumel Ashique
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Pandaveswar School of Pharmacy, Pandaveswar, West Bengal, India
| | - Amol D. Gholap
- Department of Pharmaceutics, St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar, Maharashtra, India
| | - S. Gowri
- PG & Research Department of Physics, Cauvery College for Women (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sourav Mohanto
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Yenepoya Pharmacy College & Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - C. Karthikeyan
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sagnik Nag
- Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Biosciences & Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Shabib Akhtar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Afroz Bakht
- Chemistry Department, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Yenepoya Pharmacy College & Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas—Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
- Faculties of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Luis Andres Salas-Matta
- Faculties of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Aroop Mohanty
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, India
| | | | - Ranjit Sah
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, India
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Weiner A. [Tunnel or damage? Fungal pathogens coming into the light]. Med Sci (Paris) 2023; 39:328-330. [PMID: 37094264 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Allon Weiner
- ATIP-Avenir équipe Dynamics, structure and molecular biology of fungal invasion, Sorbonne université, Inserm U1135, CNRS, Centre d'immunologie et des maladies infectieuses, Cimi, 75013 Paris, France
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Riboflavin Targets the Cellular Metabolic and Ribosomal Pathways of Candida albicans In Vitro and Exhibits Efficacy against Oropharyngeal Candidiasis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0380122. [PMID: 36625571 PMCID: PMC9927497 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03801-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), which has a high incidence in immunocompromised and denture stomatitis patients, is commonly caused by Candida albicans infection and in some cases develops into disseminated candidiasis throughout the throat and esophagus, resulting in high mortality. New drugs are needed to combat OPC because of the limited treatment options currently available and increasing resistance to existing drugs. Here, we confirmed that riboflavin (RF), a cofactor of flavin adenine mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide, has broad-spectrum anti-Candida activity. The formation of C. albicans hyphae and biofilm was inhibited by RF. Mechanistically, RF disrupted membrane and cell wall integrity, as well as promoting reactive oxygen species and pyruvate accumulation. Furthermore, RF targeted multiple essential pathways via functional disruption of thiamine and RF metabolic pathways, central carbon metabolism, and ribosome metabolism. Similar to the results in vitro, the inhibitory effect of RF on C. albicans hyphae was confirmed in a mouse model of OPC. Moreover, after 5 consecutive days of intraperitoneal injection, RF exhibited therapeutic efficacy, as demonstrated by phenotype investigation, the fungal burden, and histopathological analysis. These findings revealed that RF exerts a multifaceted anti-Candida effect and has potential benefits in the treatment of OPC. IMPORTANCE Candida species are common pathogens in fungal infections, causing mucosal infection and invasive infection in immunodeficient patients. Given the limited classes of drugs and resistance to these drugs, new antifungal agents need to be developed. Drug repurposing is a potential method for antifungal drug development. This study demonstrated that riboflavin (RF) exhibited broad-spectrum anti-Candida activity. RF affected multiple targets involving the membrane and cell wall integrity, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and pyruvate, and the altered metabolic pathways in C. albicans. Moreover, RF exhibited efficacy in the treatment of C. albicans in an oropharyngeal candidiasis mouse model. Taken together, the antifungal activity and the promising clinical application of RF were highlighted.
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Zaongo SD, Ouyang J, Isnard S, Zhou X, Harypursat V, Cui H, Routy JP, Chen Y. Candida albicans can foster gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation during HIV infection. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2167171. [PMID: 36722096 PMCID: PMC9897780 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2167171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a ubiquitous fungal commensal component of the human microbiota, and under certain circumstances, such as during an immunocompromised state, it may initiate different types of infection. Moreover, C. albicans continuously and reciprocally interacts with the host immune system as well as with other elements of the gut microbiota, thus contributing significantly to both gut homeostasis and host immunity. People living with HIV (PLWH), including those receiving antiretroviral therapy, are characterized by a depletion of CD4 + T-cells and dysbiosis in their gut. C. albicans colonization is frequent in PLWH, causing both a high prevalence and high morbidity. Gut barrier damage and elevated levels of microbial translocation are also fairly common in this population. Herein, we take a closer look at the reciprocity among C. albicans, gut microbiota, HIV, and the host immune system, thus throwing some light on this complex interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvere D Zaongo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China,Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Ouyang
- Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Stéphane Isnard
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Canadian HIV Trials Network, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xin Zhou
- Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China,Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Vijay Harypursat
- Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada,Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yaokai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China,Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China,CONTACT Yaokai Chen Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
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11
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Edel J, Grinstein-Koren O, Winocur-Arias O, Kaplan I, Schnaiderman-Shapiro A, Buchner A, Vered M, Zlotogorski-Hurvitz A. Unexpected Candidal Hyphae in Oral Mucosa Lesions-A Clinico-Pathological Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101386. [PMID: 36290044 PMCID: PMC9598629 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oral mucosal biopsies might harbor candidal hyphae (CH) in the absence of any clinical signs or symptoms. Aim: To assess oral mucosa biopsies for the frequency of unexpected CH and characterize their clinico-pathological features. Materials and Methods: All biopsy reports (2004−2019) were searched using CH/candida/candidiasis as key words. Cases with clinical diagnosis of oral candidiasis (OC) were excluded. Demographic data, health status, smoking habits, clinical features and diagnoses were collected. Statistical analysis included the chi-square test; significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of all the biopsies, 100 (1.05%) reported microscopical evidence of CH without typical clinical signs/symptoms of OC. Fifteen cases were from healthy, non-smoking patients. CH was common on buccal mucosa (38%) and lateral tongue (23%). The tip of tongue (OR = 54.5, 95% CI 9.02−329.4, p < 0.001) and lateral tongue (OR = 3.83, 95% CI 2.4−6.09, p < 0.001) were more likely to harbor CH-positive lesions. CH-positive lesions were diagnosed as epithelial hyperplasia (55%) and exophytic reactive lesions (30%). No correlation was found between CH and the grade of epithelial dysplasia. Conclusions: Microscopic evidence of CH embedded into oral epithelium without typical signs/symptoms of OC is rare, especially in healthy, non-smokers. Since CH was occasionally found in oral sites prone to local trauma and in association with reactive lesions, in absence of host co-morbidities, the contribution of local mechanical forces to CH embedment cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Edel
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Osnat Grinstein-Koren
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Orit Winocur-Arias
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ilana Kaplan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Institute of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Anna Schnaiderman-Shapiro
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Institute of Pathology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Amos Buchner
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Marilena Vered
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Institute of Pathology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Ayelet Zlotogorski-Hurvitz
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
- Correspondence:
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12
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Invasive Candidiasis: Update and Current Challenges in the Management of This Mycosis in South America. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070877. [PMID: 35884131 PMCID: PMC9312041 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis encompassing Candida bloodstream infections and deep-seated candidiasis can become a persistent health problem. These infections are caused by Candida species and have high morbidity and mortality rates. Species distribution, access to diagnosis, treatment and mortality are different around the world. The mortality rate is high in South America (30–70%), and Candida albicans is the most prevalent species in this region. However, a global epidemiological shift to non-albicans species has been observed. In this group, C. parapsilosis is the species most frequently detected, followed by C. tropicalis, and at a slower rate, C. glabrata, which has also increased, in addition to the emerging C. auris, resistance to several drugs. This article summarizes relevant aspects of candidemia pathogenesis, such as the mechanisms of fungal invasion, immune response, and the impact of genetic defects that increase host susceptibility to developing the infection. We also discuss relevant aspects of treatment and future challenges in South America.
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13
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Lachat J, Pascault A, Thibaut D, Le Borgne R, Verbavatz JM, Weiner A. Trans-cellular tunnels induced by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans facilitate invasion through successive epithelial cells without host damage. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3781. [PMID: 35773250 PMCID: PMC9246882 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31237-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans is normally commensal, residing in the mucosa of most healthy individuals. In susceptible hosts, its filamentous hyphal form can invade epithelial layers leading to superficial or severe systemic infection. Although invasion is mainly intracellular, it causes no apparent damage to host cells at early stages of infection. Here, we investigate C. albicans invasion in vitro using live-cell imaging and the damage-sensitive reporter galectin-3. Quantitative single cell analysis shows that invasion can result in host membrane breaching at different stages and host cell death, or in traversal of host cells without membrane breaching. Membrane labelling and three-dimensional 'volume' electron microscopy reveal that hyphae can traverse several host cells within trans-cellular tunnels that are progressively remodelled and may undergo 'inflations' linked to host glycogen stores. Thus, C. albicans early invasion of epithelial tissues can lead to either host membrane breaching or trans-cellular tunnelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Lachat
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Cimi-Paris, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Alice Pascault
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Cimi-Paris, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Thibaut
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Cimi-Paris, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Rémi Le Borgne
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, 75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Allon Weiner
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Cimi-Paris, 75013, Paris, France.
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14
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Pimentel BNADS, Marin-Dett FH, Assis M, Barbugli PA, Longo E, Vergani CE. Antifungal Activity and Biocompatibility of α-AgVO 3, α-Ag 2WO 4, and β-Ag 2MoO 4 Using a Three-Dimensional Coculture Model of the Oral Mucosa. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:826123. [PMID: 35237581 PMCID: PMC8883331 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.826123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections have become a major concern in the medical community, especially those caused by Candida spp. Within this species, Candida albicans stands out for being an opportunistic commensal fungus that can cause superficial and invasive infections. Current antifungal therapy involves the local and/or systemic use of drugs such as azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. These antifungals are based on highly specific target sites, and the development of resistance may occur with changes in the enzymatic pathways that serve as the drug targets. Thus, the development of new antifungal drugs is highly recommended to prevent drug resistance. The present investigation evaluated the antifungal activity of silver-containing microcrystals such as silver vanadate (α-AgVO3), silver tungstate (α-Ag2WO4), and silver molybdate (β-Ag2MoO4). In addition to having antimicrobial activity, such compounds should not cause damage to underlying tissues. Thus, to better assess the biocompatibility of new compounds, a new three-dimensional (3D) coculture model involving three cell lines was developed. The validation of the model was based on fluorescent markers and confocal laser microscopy. The biocompatibility of silver-containing microcrystals was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. 3D coculture was infected with C. albicans biofilm and challenged with α-AgVO3, α-Ag2WO4, and β-Ag2MoO4. The action of microcrystals on C. albicans biofilm was evaluated by colony-forming units (CFU/ml) and LIVE/DEAD staining. In addition, production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was measured by cytometric bead array kit using flow cytometry. The 3D coculture model described here proved to be adequate to assess both the biocompatibility of the new materials and the infectious processes. Regarding the biocompatibility of the microcrystals, only α-AgVO3 (15.62 µg/ml) showed a decrease in cell viability. The antibiofilm activity of α-Ag2WO4 was similar to that of the standard drug (fluconazole). Although α-Ag2WO4 was able to induce the production of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β, no differences in cytokine production were observed between noninfected and infected models treated with this microcrystal. β-Ag2MoO4 inhibits the production of TNF-α in the infected model; however, it showed no antibiofilm activity. Based on the biocompatibility and antifungal findings, α-Ag2WO4 is a promising material for treating C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Natália Alves da Silva Pimentel
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Freddy Humberto Marin-Dett
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Assis
- CDMF, LIEC, Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Paula Aboud Barbugli
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Elson Longo
- CDMF, LIEC, Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Vergani
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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15
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Chow EWL, Pang LM, Wang Y. From Jekyll to Hyde: The Yeast-Hyphal Transition of Candida albicans. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070859. [PMID: 34358008 PMCID: PMC8308684 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans, accounting for 15% of nosocomial infections with an estimated attributable mortality of 47%. C. albicans is usually a benign member of the human microbiome in healthy people. Under constant exposure to highly dynamic environmental cues in diverse host niches, C. albicans has successfully evolved to adapt to both commensal and pathogenic lifestyles. The ability of C. albicans to undergo a reversible morphological transition from yeast to filamentous forms is a well-established virulent trait. Over the past few decades, a significant amount of research has been carried out to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms, signaling pathways, and transcription factors that govern the C. albicans yeast-to-hyphal transition. This review will summarize our current understanding of well-elucidated signal transduction pathways that activate C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis in response to various environmental cues and the cell cycle machinery involved in the subsequent regulation and maintenance of hyphal morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Wai Ling Chow
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore;
| | - Li Mei Pang
- National Dental Centre Singapore, National Dental Research Institute Singapore (NDRIS), 5 Second Hospital Ave, Singapore 168938, Singapore;
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore;
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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16
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Yeast Cells in Microencapsulation. General Features and Controlling Factors of the Encapsulation Process. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113123. [PMID: 34073703 PMCID: PMC8197184 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides their best-known uses in the food and fermentation industry, yeasts have also found application as microcapsules. In the encapsulation process, exogenous and most typically hydrophobic compounds diffuse and end up being passively entrapped in the cell body, and can be released upon application of appropriate stimuli. Yeast cells can be employed either living or dead, intact, permeabilized, or even emptied of all their original cytoplasmic contents. The main selling points of this set of encapsulation technologies, which to date has predominantly targeted food and-to a lesser extent-pharmaceutical applications, are the low cost, biodegradability and biocompatibility of the capsules, coupled to their sustainable origin (e.g., spent yeast from brewing). This review aims to provide a broad overview of the different kinds of yeast-based microcapsules and of the main physico-chemical characteristics that control the encapsulation process and its efficiency.
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Mroczyńska M, Brillowska-Dąbrowska A. Virulence of Clinical Candida Isolates. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040466. [PMID: 33921490 PMCID: PMC8070227 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The factors enabling Candida spp. infections are secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, adherence to surfaces, biofilm formation or morphological transition, and fitness attributes. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between known extracellular virulence factors and survival of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with clinical Candida. The 25 isolates were tested and the activity of proteinases among 24/24, phospholipases among 7/22, esterases among 14/23, hemolysins among 18/24, and biofilm formation ability among 18/25 isolates was confirmed. Pathogenicity investigation using G. mellonella larvae as host model demonstrated that C. albicans isolates and C. glabrata isolate were the most virulent and C. krusei isolates were avirulent. C. parapsilosis virulence was identified as varied, C. inconspicua were moderately virulent, and one C. palmioleophila isolate was of low virulence and the remaining isolates of this species were moderately virulent. According to our study, virulence of Candida isolates is related to the expression of proteases, hemolysins, and esterases.
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18
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Strickland AB, Shi M. Mechanisms of fungal dissemination. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3219-3238. [PMID: 33449153 PMCID: PMC8044058 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03736-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections are an increasing threat to global public health. There are more than six million fungal species worldwide, but less than 1% are known to infect humans. Most of these fungal infections are superficial, affecting the hair, skin and nails, but some species are capable of causing life-threatening diseases. The most common of these include Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. These fungi are typically innocuous and even constitute a part of the human microbiome, but if these pathogens disseminate throughout the body, they can cause fatal infections which account for more than one million deaths worldwide each year. Thus, systemic dissemination of fungi is a critical step in the development of these deadly infections. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how fungi disseminate from the initial infection sites to the bloodstream, how immune cells eliminate fungi from circulation and how fungi leave the blood and enter distant organs, highlighting some recent advances and offering some perspectives on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B Strickland
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Meiqing Shi
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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19
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Alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolic profiles coincide with intestinal damage in mice with a bloodborne Candida albicans infection. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104826. [PMID: 33689815 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that can threaten life especially in patients with candidemia. The morbidity and mortality of candidemia originating from a central venous catheter (CVC) and illicit intravenous drug use (IVDU) are increasing. However, the mechanism underlying the bloodborne C. albicans infection remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated the gut microbiome, metabolites and intestinal mucosa by constructing the mouse models with candidemia. Model mice were injected with C. albicans via tail vein. Control mice underwent sham procedures. We observed basic life characteristics, intestinal damage-related alterations using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, intestinal tight junction protein levels, and intestinal permeability in these mice. Fecal samples were analyzed by performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the microbiota and LC-MS metabolomics to reveal the perturbations in intestinal flora and metabolism exacerbating intestinal damage. Weight loss, a decreased survival rate, C. albicans infection spread, and colonic epithelial damage occurred in the model group. Furthermore, the intestinal flora abundance was reduced. Several probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, and butyrate-producing bacteria, including Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridia, were depleted, and some pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella and Proteus, belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum, and the inflammation mediators Ruminococcus and Parabacteroides were enriched in model mice. Multiple differentially altered metabolic pathways were observed and mainly related to bile acid, arachidonic acid, bile secretion, and arachidonic acid metabolism. This study illustrated the effects of a bloodborne C. albicans on the intestinal microbiota, metabolites, and intestinal barrier, which may provide new insights into tests or treatments for candidemia originating from CVC or IVDU.
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20
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Clinical Characteristics and Relevance of Oral Candida Biofilm in Tongue Smears. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020077. [PMID: 33499213 PMCID: PMC7912297 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dimorphic Candida exist as commensal yeast carriages or infiltrate hyphae in the oral cavity. Here, we investigated the clinical relevance of Candida hyphae in non-pseudomembranous oral candidiasis (OC) by smears of tongue biofilms. We conducted a retrospective study of 2829 patients who had had tongue smears regardless of OC suspicion. Clinical characteristics were evaluated using a novel method of assessing hyphae. Clinical factors (moderate/severe stimulated pain, pain aggravated by stimulation, tongue dorsum appearance and initial topical antifungal use) were highly significant in the high-grade hyphae group but were statistically similar in the low-grade hyphae and non-observed hyphae group, suggesting low-grade hyphae infection as a subclinical OC state. In addition to erythematous candidiasis (EC), a new subtype named "morphologically normal symptomatic candidiasis" (MNSC) with specific pain patterns and normal tongue morphology was identified. MNSC had a significantly higher proportion of moderate and severe stimulated pain cases than EC. Low unstimulated salivary flow rate (<0.1 mL/min) was found to be a common risk factor in MNSC and EC. In non-pseudomembranous OC, pain patterns were dependent on Candida hyphae degree regardless of tongue dorsum morphology. Morphologic differences seen in high-grade hyphae infection were not associated with systemic diseases or nutritional deficiencies.
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21
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Valand N, Girija UV. Candida Pathogenicity and Interplay with the Immune System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1313:241-272. [PMID: 34661898 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-67452-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida species are opportunistic fungal pathogens that are part of the normal skin and mucosal microflora. Overgrowth of Candida can cause infections such as thrush or life-threatening invasive candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. Though Candida albicans is highly prevalent, several non-albicans species are also isolated from nosocomial infections. Candida sp. are over presented in the gut of people with Crohn's disease and certain types of neurological disorders, with hyphal form and biofilms being the most virulent states. In addition, Candida uses several secreted and cell surface molecules such as pH related antigen 1, High affinity glucose transporter, Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 and lipases to establish pathogenicity. A strong innate immune response is elicited against Candida via dendritic cells, neutrophils and macrophages. All three complement pathways are also activated. Production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-12 signal differentiation of CD4+ cells into Th1 and Th2 cells, whereas IL-6, IL-17 and IL-23 induce Th17 cells. Importance of T-lymphocytes is reflected in depleted T-cell count patients being more prone to Candidiasis. Anti- Candida antibodies also play a role against candidiasis using various mechanisms such as targeting virulent enzymes and exhibiting direct candidacidal activity. However, the significance of antibody response during infection remains controversial. Furthermore, some of the Candida strains have evolved molecular strategies to evade the sophisticated host attack by proteolysis of components of immune system and interfering with immune signalling pathways. Emergence of several non-albicans species that are resistant to current antifungal agents makes treatment more difficult. Therefore, deeper insight into interactions between Candida and the host immune system is required for discovery of novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Valand
- Leicester School of Allied Health and Life sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Umakhanth Venkatraman Girija
- Leicester School of Allied Health and Life sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.
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22
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Krishnamoorthy AL, Lemus AA, Solomon AP, Valm AM, Neelakantan P. Interactions between Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis in an Organotypic Oral Epithelial Model. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1771. [PMID: 33187237 PMCID: PMC7696566 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans as an opportunistic pathogen exploits the host immune system and causes a variety of life-threatening infections. The polymorphic nature of this fungus gives it tremendous advantage to breach mucosal barriers and cause oral and disseminated infections. Similar to C. albicans, Enterococcus faecalis is a major opportunistic pathogen, which is of critical concern in immunocompromised patients. There is increasing evidence that E. faecalis co-exists with C. albicans in the human body in disease samples. While the interactive profiles between these two organisms have been studied on abiotic substrates and mouse models, studies on their interactions on human oral mucosal surfaces are non-existent. Here, for the first time, we comprehensively characterized the interactive profiles between laboratory and clinical isolates of C. albicans (SC5314 and BF1) and E. faecalis (OG1RF and P52S) on an organotypic oral mucosal model. Our results demonstrated that the dual species biofilms resulted in profound surface erosion and significantly increased microbial invasion into mucosal compartments, compared to either species alone. Notably, several genes of C. albicans involved in tissue adhesion, hyphal formation, fungal invasion, and biofilm formation were significantly upregulated in the presence of E. faecalis. By contrast, E. faecalis genes involved in quorum sensing, biofilm formation, virulence, and mammalian cell invasion were downregulated. This study highlights the synergistic cross-kingdom interactions between E. faecalis and C. albicans in mucosal tissue invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Lakshmi Krishnamoorthy
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong;
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Center of Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur 613401, India;
| | - Alex A. Lemus
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA; (A.A.L.); (A.M.V.)
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Center of Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur 613401, India;
| | - Alex M. Valm
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA; (A.A.L.); (A.M.V.)
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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23
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Dube Y, Khan A, Marimani M, Ahmad A. Lactobacillus rhamnosus cell-free extract targets virulence and antifungal drug resistance in Candida albicans. Can J Microbiol 2020; 66:733-747. [PMID: 32777192 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2019-0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Candidiasis caused by multidrug-resistant Candida species continues to be difficult to eradicate. The use of live probiotic bacteria has gained a lot of interest in the treatment of candidiasis; however, whole-cell probiotic use can often be associated with a high risk of sepsis. Strategies manipulating cell-free methods using probiotic strains could lead to the development of novel antifungal solutions. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of three probiotic cell-free extracts (CFEs) on the growth, virulence traits, and drug efflux pumps in C. albicans. On the basis of its minimum inhibitory concentration, Lactobacillus rhamnosus was selected and assessed against various virulence traits and drug resistance mechanisms. The results showed that L. rhamnosus CFE significantly inhibited hyphae formation and reduced secretion of proteinases and phospholipases. Moreover, L. rhamnosus inhibited the drug efflux proteins in resistant C. albicans strains thus reversing drug resistance. Gene expression data confirmed downregulation of genes associated with microbial virulence and drug resistance following treatment of C. albicans with L. rhamnosus CFE. Through gas chromatography - mass spectrometry chemical characterization, high contents of oleic acid (24.82%) and myristic acid (13.11%) were observed in this CFE. Collectively, our findings indicate that L. rhamnosus may potentially be used for therapeutic purposes to inhibit C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Dube
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Amber Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Musa Marimani
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.,Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa
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24
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Candida Infections in Immunocompetent Hosts: Pathogenesis and Diagnosis. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-020-00392-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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25
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Barrias E, Reignault L, de Carvalho TM, de Souza W. Clathrin coated pit dependent pathway for Trypanosoma cruzi internalization into host cells. Acta Trop 2019; 199:105057. [PMID: 31202818 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A number of intracellular pathogens are internalized by host cells via multiple endocytic pathways, including Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is the most characterized endocytic pathway in mammalian cells. Its machinery was described as being required in mammalian cells for the internalization of large particles, including pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and large virus. To investigate whether T. cruzi entry into host cells can also take advantage of the clathrin-coated vesicle-dependent process, we utilized well-known inhibitors of clathrin-coated vesicle formation (sucrose hypertonic medium, chlorpromazine hydrochloride and pitstop 2) and small interference RNA (siRNA). All treatments drastically reduced the internalization of infective trypomastigotes and amastigotes of T. cruzi by phagocytic (macrophages) and epithelial cells. Clathrin labeling, as observed by fluorescence and electron microscopy, was also observed around the parasites from the initial stages of infection until the complete formation of the parasitophorous vacuole. These unexpected observations suggest the participation of the clathrin pathway in the T. cruzi entry process.
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26
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Fillinger RJ, Anderson MZ. Seasons of change: Mechanisms of genome evolution in human fungal pathogens. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 70:165-174. [PMID: 30826447 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are a diverse kingdom of organisms capable of thriving in various niches across the world including those in close association with multicellular eukaryotes. Fungal pathogens that contribute to human disease reside both within the host as commensal organisms of the microbiota and the environment. Their niche of origin dictates how infection initiates but also places specific selective pressures on the fungal pathogen that contributes to its genome organization and genetic repertoire. Recent efforts to catalogue genomic variation among major human fungal pathogens have unveiled evolutionary themes that shape the fungal genome. Mechanisms ranging from large scale changes such as aneuploidy and ploidy cycling as well as more targeted mutations like base substitutions and gene copy number variations contribute to the evolution of these species, which are often under multiple competing selective pressures with their host, environment, and other microbes. Here, we provide an overview of the major selective pressures and mechanisms acting to evolve the genome of clinically important fungal pathogens of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Fillinger
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Matthew Z Anderson
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Grainha TRR, Jorge PADS, Pérez-Pérez M, Pérez Rodríguez G, Pereira MOBO, Lourenço AMG. Exploring anti-quorum sensing and anti-virulence based strategies to fight Candida albicans infections: an in silico approach. FEMS Yeast Res 2019. [PMID: 29518242 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex virulence attributes of Candida albicans are an attractive target to exploit in the development of new antifungals and anti-virulence strategies to combat C. albicans infections. Particularly, quorum sensing (QS) has been reported as critical for virulence regulation in C. albicans. This work presents two knowledge networks with up-to-date information about QS regulation and experimentally tested anti-QS and anti-virulence agents for C. albicans. A semi-automatic bioinformatics workflow that combines literature mining and expert curation was used to retrieve otherwise scattered information from the scientific literature. The network representation offers an innovative and continuously updatable means for the Candida research community to query QS and virulence data systematically and in a user-friendly way. Notably, the reconstructed networks show the complexity of QS regulation and the impact that some molecules have on the inhibition of virulence mechanisms responsible for infection establishment (e.g. hyphal development) and perseverance (e.g. biofilm formation). In the future, the compiled knowledge may be used to build decision-making models that help infer new knowledge of practical significance. The knowledge networks are publicly available at http://pcquorum.org/. This Web platform enables the exploration of fungal virulence cues as well as reported inhibitors in a user-friendly fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Raquel Rodrigues Grainha
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Paula Alexandra da Silva Jorge
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Martín Pérez-Pérez
- ESEI-Department of Computer Science, University of Vigo, Edificio Politecnico, s/n Campus As Lagoas, 32004 Ourense, Spain.,CINBIO-Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Gael Pérez Rodríguez
- ESEI-Department of Computer Science, University of Vigo, Edificio Politecnico, s/n Campus As Lagoas, 32004 Ourense, Spain.,CINBIO-Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Maria Olívia Baptista Oliveira Pereira
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Anália Maria Garcia Lourenço
- ESEI-Department of Computer Science, University of Vigo, Edificio Politecnico, s/n Campus As Lagoas, 32004 Ourense, Spain.,CINBIO-Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain.,Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Gao Y, Liang G, Wang Q, She X, Shi D, Shen Y, Su X, Wang X, Wang W, Li D, Liu W. Different Host Immunological Response to C. albicans by Human Oral and Vaginal Epithelial Cells. Mycopathologia 2019; 184:1-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-018-0301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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New N-(oxazolylmethyl)-thiazolidinedione Active against Candida albicans Biofilm: Potential Als Proteins Inhibitors. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23102522. [PMID: 30279343 PMCID: PMC6222719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23102522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
C. albicans is the most frequently occurring fungal pathogen, and is becoming an increasing public health problem, especially in the context of increased microbial resistance. This opportunistic pathogen is characterized by a versatility explained mainly by its ability to form complex biofilm structures that lead to enhanced virulence and antibiotic resistance. In this context, a review of the known C. albicans biofilm formation inhibitors were performed and a new N-(oxazolylmethyl)-thiazolidinedione scaffold was constructed. 16 new compounds were synthesized and characterized in order to confirm their proposed structures. A general antimicrobial screening against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi, was performed and revealed that the compounds do not have direct antimicrobial activity. The anti-biofilm activity evaluation confirmed the compounds act as selective inhibitors of C. albicans biofilm formation. In an effort to substantiate this biologic profile, we used in silico investigations which suggest that the compounds could act by binding, and thus obstructing the functions of, the C. albicans Als surface proteins, especially Als1, Als3, Als5 and Als6. Considering the well documented role of Als1 and Als3 in biofilm formation, our new class of compounds that target these proteins could represent a new approach in C. albicans infection prevention and management.
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Fernandes J, Hamidi F, Leborgne R, Beau R, Castier Y, Mordant P, Boukkerou A, Latgé JP, Pretolani M. Penetration of the Human Pulmonary Epithelium by Aspergillus fumigatus Hyphae. J Infect Dis 2018; 218:1306-1313. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fernandes
- INSERM UMR1152, Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Faculté de Médecine, site Bichat, France
- Laboratory of Excellence INFLAMEX, Université Sorbonne Paris-Cité, France
- Département Hospitalo-Universitaire FIRE, Paris, France
| | - Fatima Hamidi
- INSERM UMR1152, Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Faculté de Médecine, site Bichat, France
- Laboratory of Excellence INFLAMEX, Université Sorbonne Paris-Cité, France
- Département Hospitalo-Universitaire FIRE, Paris, France
| | - Remi Leborgne
- ImagoSeine Electron Microscopy Facility, Institut Jacques Monod, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7592, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, France
| | - Remi Beau
- Unité des Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Yves Castier
- INSERM UMR1152, Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Faculté de Médecine, site Bichat, France
- Laboratory of Excellence INFLAMEX, Université Sorbonne Paris-Cité, France
- Département Hospitalo-Universitaire FIRE, Paris, France
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Groupement Hospitalier Universitaire Nord Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique des Hopitaux de Paris, France
| | - Pierre Mordant
- INSERM UMR1152, Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Faculté de Médecine, site Bichat, France
- Laboratory of Excellence INFLAMEX, Université Sorbonne Paris-Cité, France
- Département Hospitalo-Universitaire FIRE, Paris, France
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Groupement Hospitalier Universitaire Nord Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique des Hopitaux de Paris, France
| | - Amira Boukkerou
- INSERM UMR1152, Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Faculté de Médecine, site Bichat, France
- Laboratory of Excellence INFLAMEX, Université Sorbonne Paris-Cité, France
- Département Hospitalo-Universitaire FIRE, Paris, France
| | | | - Marina Pretolani
- INSERM UMR1152, Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Faculté de Médecine, site Bichat, France
- Laboratory of Excellence INFLAMEX, Université Sorbonne Paris-Cité, France
- Département Hospitalo-Universitaire FIRE, Paris, France
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Basso V, d'Enfert C, Znaidi S, Bachellier-Bassi S. From Genes to Networks: The Regulatory Circuitry Controlling Candida albicans Morphogenesis. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2018; 422:61-99. [PMID: 30368597 DOI: 10.1007/82_2018_144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal yeast of most healthy individuals, but also one of the most prevalent human fungal pathogens. During adaptation to the mammalian host, C. albicans encounters different niches where it is exposed to several types of stress, including oxidative, nitrosative (e.g., immune system), osmotic (e.g., kidney and oral cavity) stresses and pH variation (e.g., gastrointestinal (GI) tract and vagina). C. albicans has developed the capacity to respond to the environmental changes by modifying its morphology, which comprises the yeast-to-hypha transition, white-opaque switching, and chlamydospore formation. The yeast-to-hypha transition has been very well characterized and was shown to be modulated by several external stimuli that mimic the host environment. For instance, temperature above 37 ℃, serum, alkaline pH, and CO2 concentration are all reported to enhance filamentation. The transition is characterized by the activation of an intricate regulatory network of signaling pathways, involving many transcription factors. The regulatory pathways that control either the stress response or morphogenesis are required for full virulence and promote survival of C. albicans in the host. Many of these transcriptional circuitries have been characterized, highlighting the complexity and the interconnections between the different pathways. Here, we present the major signaling pathways and the main transcription factors involved in the yeast-to-hypha transition. Furthermore, we describe the role of heat shock transcription factors in the morphogenetic transition, providing an edifying example of the complex cross talk between pathways involved in morphogenesis and stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Basso
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.,Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, Paris, France.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France. .,Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, 13 Place Pasteur, 1002, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia.
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
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32
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Innate Immunity to Mucosal Candida Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3040060. [PMID: 29371576 PMCID: PMC5753162 DOI: 10.3390/jof3040060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal epithelial tissues are exposed to high numbers of microbes, including commensal fungi, and are able to distinguish between those that are avirulent and those that cause disease. Epithelial cells have evolved multiple mechanisms to defend against colonization and invasion by Candida species. The interplay between mucosal epithelial tissues and immune cells is key for control and clearance of fungal infections. Our understanding of the mucosal innate host defense system has expanded recently with new studies bringing to light the importance of epithelial cell responses, innate T cells, neutrophils, and other phagocytes during Candida infections. Epithelial tissues release cytokines, host defense peptides, and alarmins during Candida invasion that act in concert to limit fungal proliferation and recruit immune effector cells. The innate T cell/IL-17 axis and recruitment of neutrophils are of central importance in controlling mucosal fungal infections. Here, we review current knowledge of the innate immunity at sites of mucosal Candida infection, with a focus on infections caused by C. albicans.
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33
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Maza PK, Bonfim-Melo A, Padovan ACB, Mortara RA, Orikaza CM, Ramos LMD, Moura TR, Soriani FM, Almeida RS, Suzuki E, Bahia D. Candida albicans: The Ability to Invade Epithelial Cells and Survive under Oxidative Stress Is Unlinked to Hyphal Length. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1235. [PMID: 28769876 PMCID: PMC5511855 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In its hyphal form, Candida albicans invades epithelial and endothelial cells by two distinct mechanisms: active penetration and induced endocytosis. The latter is dependent on a reorganization of the host cytoskeleton (actin/cortactin recruitment), whilst active penetration does not rely on the host's cellular machinery. The first obstacle for the fungus to reach deep tissues is the epithelial barrier and this interaction is crucial for commensal growth, fungal pathogenicity and host defense. This study aimed to characterize in vitro epithelial HeLa cell invasion by four different isolates of C. albicans with distinct clinical backgrounds, including a C. albicans SC5314 reference strain. All isolates invaded HeLa cells, recruited actin and cortactin, and induced the phosphorylation of both Src-family kinases (SFK) and cortactin. Curiously, L3881 isolated from blood culture of a patient exhibited the highest resistance to oxidative stress, although this isolate showed reduced hyphal length and displayed the lowest cell damage and invasion rates. Collectively, these data suggest that the ability of C. albicans to invade HeLa cells, and to reach and adapt to the host's blood, including resistance to oxidative stress, may be independent of hyphal length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma K Maza
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexis Bonfim-Melo
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C B Padovan
- Laboratório Especial de Micologia, Disciplina de Infectologia, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de AlfenasAlfenas, Brazil
| | - Renato A Mortara
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina M Orikaza
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilian M Damas Ramos
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica e Microbiologia Bucal, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de LondrinaLondrina, Brazil
| | - Tauany R Moura
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frederico M Soriani
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo S Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica e Microbiologia Bucal, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de LondrinaLondrina, Brazil
| | - Erika Suzuki
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diana Bahia
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo Horizonte, Brazil
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse D. Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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35
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Tong Y, Tang J. Candida albicans infection and intestinal immunity. Microbiol Res 2017; 198:27-35. [PMID: 28285659 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections cause high rates of morbidity and mortality in intensive care and immunocompromised patients, and can represent a life-threatening disease. As a microorganism commonly found in the intestine, Candida albicans (C. albicans) can invade the gut epithelium barrier via microfold cells and enter the bloodstream. The defensive potential of the intestinal barrier against invasive C. albicans is dependent on innate and adaptive immune responses which enable the host to eliminate pathogenic fungi. The lamina propria layer of the intestine contains numerous immune cells capable of inducing an innate cellular immune response against invasive fungi. This review focuses on the immune response triggered by a C. albicans infection in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Tong
- Department of Trauma-Emergency & Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University; Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Jianguo Tang
- Department of Trauma-Emergency & Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University; Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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36
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Yang W, Zhou Y, Wu C, Tang J. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli promotes the invasion and tissue damage of enterocytes infected with Candida albicans in vitro. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37485. [PMID: 27874093 PMCID: PMC5118719 DOI: 10.1038/srep37485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The principal aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro co-infection of Caco-2 cells with Candida albicans and enterohemorrhage Escherichia coli (EHEC). The ability of both species to colonize or invade the Caco-2 cells was evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence and inverted microscopy. The damage to Caco-2 cells was evaluated by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. C. albicans virulence gene expression (HWP1, ALS3, PLB1, SAP4, and EFG1) was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Compared to single infections with enterohemorrhage Escherichia coli or C. albicans, a co-infection colonized or invaded Caco-2 cells more quickly, and C. albicans tended to accumulate more easily, accompanied by the upregulation of related genes. In addition, the LDH activity in the co-infected group was higher than in cells infected with C. albicans or with enterohemorrhage Escherichia coli, accompanied by the upregulation of toxicity-related genes. Using Caco-2 cells as an infection model, this study demonstrated that co-infecting in vitro enterocytes with C. albicans and enterohemorrhage Escherichia coli enhanced the invasiveness and tissue damaging effects of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Yang
- Department of Trauma-Emergency &Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Yanjun Zhou
- Division of Swine Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, P.R. China
| | - Chunrong Wu
- Department of Trauma-Emergency &Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Jianguo Tang
- Department of Trauma-Emergency &Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
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37
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da Silva Dantas A, Lee KK, Raziunaite I, Schaefer K, Wagener J, Yadav B, Gow NA. Cell biology of Candida albicans-host interactions. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 34:111-118. [PMID: 27689902 PMCID: PMC5660506 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The cell biology of Candida albicans is adapted both for life as a commensal and as a pathogen. C. albicans can either downregulate or upregulate virulence properties in the human host. This fungus modulates the activity of phagocytes to enable its own survival. Candida is metabolically flexible enabling it to survive in multiple niches in the host.
Candida albicans is a commensal coloniser of most people and a pathogen of the immunocompromised or patients in which barriers that prevent dissemination have been disrupted. Both the commensal and pathogenic states involve regulation and adaptation to the host microenvironment. The pathogenic potential can be downregulated to sustain commensalism or upregulated to damage host tissue and avoid and subvert immune surveillance. In either case it seems as though the cell biology of this fungus has evolved to enable the establishment of different types of relationships with the human host. Here we summarise latest advances in the analysis of mechanisms that enable C. albicans to occupy different body sites whilst avoiding being eliminated by the sentinel activities of the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra da Silva Dantas
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - Kathy K Lee
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - Ingrida Raziunaite
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - Katja Schaefer
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - Jeanette Wagener
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - Bhawna Yadav
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK
| | - Neil Ar Gow
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB252ZD, UK.
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38
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Caffrey AK, Obar JJ. Alarmin(g) the innate immune system to invasive fungal infections. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 32:135-143. [PMID: 27351354 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fungi encounter numerous stresses in a mammalian host, including the immune system, which they must adapt to in order to grow and cause disease. The host immune system tunes its response to the threat level posed by the invading pathogen. We discuss recent findings on how interleukin (IL)-1 signaling is central to tuning the immune response to the virulence potential of invasive fungi, as well as other pathogens. Moreover, we discuss fungal factors that may drive tissue invasion and destruction that regulate IL-1 cytokine release. Moving forward understanding the mechanisms of fungal adaption to the host, together with understanding how the host innate immune system recognizes invading fungal pathogens will increase our therapeutic options for treatment of invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alayna K Caffrey
- Montana State University, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Bozeman, MT 59718, United States; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Lebanon, NH 03756, United States
| | - Joshua J Obar
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Lebanon, NH 03756, United States.
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Significance of hyphae formation in virulence of Candida tropicalis and transcriptomic analysis of hyphal cells. Microbiol Res 2016; 192:65-72. [PMID: 27664724 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the proportion of Candida tropicalis in clinical isolates has significantly increased. Some C. tropicalis strains colonize the skin or mucosal surfaces as commensals; others trigger invasive infection. To date, the pathogenicity of C. tropicalis has not been thoroughly researched. This study reports several virulence factors, including biofilm and hyphae formation, proteinase, phospholipase, lipase and hemolytic activity, in 52 clinical isolates of C. tropicalis collected from five hospitals in four provinces of China. Some C. tropicalis tended to produce more hyphae than others in the same circumstance. Six C. tropicalis strains with different morphologies were injected into mice via the tail vein, and the survival proportions and fungal burdens of the strains were evaluated. Hyphal production by C. tropicalis was associated with stronger virulence. RNA sequencing revealed that C. tropicalis with more hyphae up-regulated several genes involved in morphological differentiation and oxidative response, including IF2, Atx1, and Sod2. It appears that hyphal formation plays a vital role in the pathogenicity of C. tropicalis, and interacts with the oxidative stress response to strengthen the organism's virulence.
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Glass KA, Longley SJ, Bliss JM, Shaw SK. Protection of Candida parapsilosis from neutrophil killing through internalization by human endothelial cells. Virulence 2016; 6:504-14. [PMID: 26039751 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1042643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is a fungal pathogen that is associated with hematogenously disseminated disease in premature neonates, acutely ill or immunocompromised patients. In cell culture, C. parapsilosis cells are actively and avidly endocytosed by endothelial cells via actin polymerization mediated by N-WASP. Here we present evidence that C. parapsilosis that were internalized by endothelial cells remained alive, and avoided being acidified or otherwise damaged via the host cell. Internalized fungal cells reproduced intracellularly and eventually burst out of the host endothelial cell. When neutrophils were added to endothelium and C. parapsilosis, they patrolled the endothelial surface and efficiently killed most adherent fungal cells prior to endocytosis. But after endocytosis by endothelial cells, internalized fungal cells evaded neutrophil killing. Silencing endothelial N-WASP blocked endocytosis of C. parapsilosis and left fungal cells stranded on the cell surface, where they were susceptible to neutrophil killing. These observations suggest that for C. parapsilosis to escape from the bloodstream, fungi may adhere to and be internalized by endothelial cells before being confronted and phagocytosed by a patrolling leukocyte. Once internalized by endothelial cells, C. parapsilosis may safely replicate to cause further rounds of infection. Immunosurveillance of the intravascular lumen by leukocytes crawling on the endothelial surface and rapid killing of adherent yeast may play a major role in controlling C. parapsilosis dissemination and infected endothelial cells may be a significant reservoir for fungal persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Glass
- a Department of Pediatrics; Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island ; Providence , RI , USA
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Trevijano-Contador N, Rueda C, Zaragoza O. Fungal morphogenetic changes inside the mammalian host. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 57:100-109. [PMID: 27101887 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the main features of the majority of pathogenic fungi is the ability to switch between different types of morphological forms. These changes include the transition between cells of different shapes (such as the formation of pseudohyphae and hyphae), or the massive growth of the blastoconidia and formation of titan cells. Morphological changes occur during infection, and there is extensive evidence that they play a key role in processes required for disease, such as adhesion, invasion and dissemination, immune recognition evasion, and phagocytosis avoidance. In the present review, we will provide an overview of how morphological transitions contribute to the development of fungal disease, with special emphasis in two cases: Candida albicans as an example of yeast that switches between blastoconidia and filaments, and Cryptococcus neoformans as an example of a fungus that changes the size without modifying the shape of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Trevijano-Contador
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km2, Majadahonda 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Rueda
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km2, Majadahonda 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Zaragoza
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km2, Majadahonda 28220, Madrid, Spain.
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Höfs S, Mogavero S, Hube B. Interaction of Candida albicans with host cells: virulence factors, host defense, escape strategies, and the microbiota. J Microbiol 2016; 54:149-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-016-5514-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Kottom TJ, Limper AH. Evidence for a Pneumocystis carinii Flo8-like transcription factor: insights into organism adhesion. Med Microbiol Immunol 2015. [PMID: 26215665 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-015-0428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) adhesion to alveolar epithelial cells is well established and is thought to be a prerequisite for the initiation of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Pc binding events occur in part through the major Pc surface glycoprotein Msg, as well as an integrin-like molecule termed PcInt1. Recent data from the Pc sequencing project also demonstrate DNA sequences homologous to other genes important in Candida spp. binding to mammalian host cells, as well as organism binding to polystyrene surfaces and in biofilm formation. One of these genes, flo8, a transcription factor needed for downstream cAMP/PKA-pathway-mediated activation of the major adhesion/flocculin Flo11 in yeast, was cloned from a Pc cDNA library utilizing a partial sequence available in the Pc genome database. A CHEF blot of Pc genomic DNA yielded a single band providing evidence this gene is present in the organism. BLASTP analysis of the predicted protein demonstrated 41 % homology to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Flo8. Northern blotting demonstrated greatest expression at pH 6.0-8.0, pH comparable to reported fungal biofilm milieu. Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays of PcFlo8 protein in isolated cyst and tropic life forms confirmed the presence of the cognate protein in these Pc life forms. Heterologous expression of Pcflo8 cDNA in flo8Δ-deficient yeast strains demonstrated that the Pcflo8 was able to restore yeast binding to polystyrene and invasive growth of yeast flo8Δ cells. Furthermore, Pcflo8 promoted yeast binding to HEK293 human epithelial cells, strengthening its functional classification as a Flo8 transcription factor. Taken together, these data suggest that PcFlo8 is expressed by Pc and may exert activity in organism adhesion and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore J Kottom
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Departments of Internal Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 8-24 Stabile, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Andrew H Limper
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Departments of Internal Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 8-24 Stabile, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Garcinia xanthochymus Benzophenones Promote Hyphal Apoptosis and Potentiate Activity of Fluconazole against Candida albicans Biofilms. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015. [PMID: 26195512 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00820-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Xanthochymol and garcinol, isoprenylated benzophenones purified from Garcinia xanthochymus fruits, showed multiple activities against Candida albicans biofilms. Both compounds effectively prevented emergence of fungal germ tubes and were also cytostatic, with MICs of 1 to 3 μM. The compounds therefore inhibited development of hyphae and subsequent biofilm maturation. Xanthochymol treatment of developing and mature biofilms induced cell death. In early biofilm development, killing had the characteristics of apoptosis, including externalization of phosphatidyl serine and DNA fragmentation, as evidenced by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence. These activities resulted in failure of biofilm maturation and hyphal death in mature biofilms. In mature biofilms, xanthochymol and garcinol caused the death of biofilm hyphae, with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) of 30 to 50 μM. Additionally, xanthochymol-mediated killing was complementary with fluconazole against mature biofilms, reducing the fluconazole EC50 from >1,024 μg/ml to 13 μg/ml. Therefore, xanthochymol has potential as an adjuvant for antifungal treatments as well as in studies of fungal apoptosis.
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Karkowska-Kuleta J, Kozik A. Moonlighting proteins as virulence factors of pathogenic fungi, parasitic protozoa and multicellular parasites. Mol Oral Microbiol 2014; 29:270-83. [PMID: 25131723 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The delicate balance between eukaryotic pathogens and their human hosts during the initiation and development of infection is a complex process involving many diverse interactions. Different infectious agents, including pathogenic fungi, parasitic protozoa and multicellular parasites, directly interact through their cell surface with epithelial or endothelial cells of the human host as well as various proteinaceous host ligands such as extracellular matrix or plasma proteins. Eukaryotic pathogens possess a number of virulence factors but a relatively recently recognized and particularly interesting group of factors capable of enhancing virulence is the set of so-called 'moonlighting proteins'. This term was coined for a relatively large collection of housekeeping enzymes lacking special targeting motifs that would determine their extracellular localization, but that are often present at the cell surface of pathogen. Several such enzymes with key metabolic functions in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate cycle or other fundamental intracellular processes perform entirely new, non-catalytic roles often associated with adhesion to host ligands. Our current study summarizes some of the current knowledge of interesting moonlighting proteins which play putative or confirmed roles as virulence factors in pathogenic fungi, parasitic protozoa and multicellular parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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