Farnesol inhibits translation to limit growth and filamentation in C. albicans and S. cerevisiae

H3K56 acetylation affects Candida albicans morphology and secreted soluble factors interacting with the host

In recent years, epigenetics has been revealed as a mechanism able to modulate the expression of virulence traits in diverse pathogens, including Candida albicans. Indeed, epigenetic regulation can sense environmental changes, leading to the rapid and reversible modulation of gene expression with consequent adaptation to novel environments. How epigenetic changes can impact expression and signalling output, including events associated with mechanisms of morphological transition and virulence, is still poorly studied. Here, using nicotinamide as a sirtuin inhibitor, we explored how the accumulation of the H3K56 acetylation, the most prominent histone acetylation in C. albicans, might affect its interaction with the host. Our experiments demonstrate that H3K56 acetylation profoundly affects the production and/or secretion of soluble factors compromising actin remodelling and cytokine production. ChIP- and RNA-seq analyses highlighted a direct impact of H3K56 acetylation on genes related to phenotypic switching, biofilm formation and cell aggregation. Direct and indirect regulation also involves genes related to cell wall protein biosynthesis, β-glucan and mannan exposure, and hydrolytic secreted enzymes, supporting the hypothesis that the fluctuations of H3K56 acetylation in C. albicans might impair the macrophage response to the yeast and thus promote the host-immune escaping.

Identification of Flo11-like Adhesin in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and the Mechanism of Small-Molecule Compounds Mediating Biofilm Formation in Yeasts

Fungal infection is initiated by the adhesion of pathogens to biotic and abiotic surfaces, with various manifestations including biofilm formation and invasive growth, etc. A previous report, though devoid of functional data, speculated that the Schizosaccharomyces pombe glycoprotein SPBPJ4664.02 could be the homology of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Flo11. Here, our studies with S. pombe substantiated the previously proposed speculation by (1) the deletion of SPBPJ4664.02 attenuated biofilm formation and invasive growth in S. pombe; (2) the S. pombe's lack of SPBPJ4664.02 could be complemented by expressing S. cerevisiae flo11. Furthermore, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and dodecanol were examined in S. pombe for their respective effects on biofilm formation. IAA and dodecanol at high concentrations could inhibit biofilm formation, whereas opposing effects were observed with low concentrations of these molecules. Mechanism studies with the SPBPJ4664.02Δ and SPBPJ4664.02Δ/flo11OE versus the wild type have demonstrated that IAA or dodecanol might exert regulatory effects downstream of SPBPJ4664.02 in the signaling pathway for biofilm formation. Moreover, our research extrapolated to Candida albicans has pinpointed that IAA inhibited biofilm formation at high concentrations, consistent with the transcriptional downregulation of the biofilm-related genes. Dodecanol suppressed C. albicans biofilm formation at all the concentrations tested, in accord with the downregulation of biofilm-related transcripts.

Pomegranate Extract Affects Fungal Biofilm Production: Consumption of Phenolic Compounds and Alteration of Fungal Autoinducers Release

Candida albicans expresses numerous virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis, including its dimorphic transition and even biofilm formation, through the release of specific quorum sensing molecules, such as the autoinducers (AI) tyrosol and farnesol. In particular, once organized as biofilm, Candida cells can elude conventional antifungal therapies and the host's immune defenses as well. Accordingly, biofilm-associated infections become a major clinical challenge underlining the need of innovative antimicrobial approaches. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PomeGr) on C. albicans growth and biofilm formation; in addition, the release of tyrosol and farnesol was investigated. The phenolic profile of PomeGr was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis before and after exposure to C. albicans. Here, we showed that fungal growth, biofilm formation and AI release were altered by PomeGr treatment. Moreover, the phenolic content of PomeGr was substantially hampered upon exposure to fungal cells; particularly pedunculagin, punicalin, punicalagin, granatin, di-(HHDP-galloyl-hexoside)-pentoside and their isomers as well as ellagic acid-hexoside appeared highly consumed, suggesting their role as bioactive molecules against Candida. Overall, these new insights on the anti-Candida properties of PomeGr and its potential mechanisms of action may represent a relevant step in the design of novel therapeutic approaches against fungal infections.

Farnesol delivery via polymeric nanoparticle carriers inhibits cariogenic cross-kingdom biofilms and prevents enamel demineralization

Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans are frequently detected together in the plaque from patients with early childhood caries (ECC) and synergistically interact to form a cariogenic cross-kingdom biofilm. However, this biofilm is difficult to control. Thus, to achieve maximal efficacy within the complex biofilm microenvironment, nanoparticle carriers have shown increased interest in treating oral biofilms in recent years. Here, we assessed the anti-biofilm efficacy of farnesol (Far), a hydrophobic antibacterial drug and repressor of Candida filamentous forms, against cross-kingdom biofilms employing drug delivery via polymeric nanoparticle carriers (NPCs). We also evaluated the effect of the strategy on teeth enamel demineralization. The farnesol-loaded NPCs (NPC+Far) resulted in a 2-log CFU/mL reduction of S. mutans and C. albicans (hydroxyapatite disc biofilm model). High-resolution confocal images further confirmed a significant reduction in exopolysaccharides, smaller microcolonies of S. mutans, and no hyphal form of C. albicans after treatment with NPC+Far on human tooth enamel (HT) slabs, altering the biofilm 3D structure. Furthermore, NPC+Far treatment was highly effective in preventing enamel demineralization on HT, reducing lesion depth (79% reduction) and mineral loss (85% reduction) versus vehicle PBS-treated HT, while NPC or Far alone had no differences with the PBS. The drug delivery via polymeric NPCs has the potential for targeting bacterial-fungal biofilms associated with a prevalent and costly pediatric oral disease, such as ECC.

Microbe Related Chemical Signalling and Its Application in Agriculture

The agriculture sector has been put under tremendous strain by the world’s growing population. The use of fertilizers and pesticides in conventional farming has had a negative impact on the environment and human health. Sustainable agriculture attempts to maintain productivity, while protecting the environment and feeding the global population. The importance of soil-dwelling microbial populations in overcoming these issues cannot be overstated. Various processes such as rhizospheric competence, antibiosis, release of enzymes, and induction of systemic resistance in host plants are all used by microbes to influence plant-microbe interactions. These processes are largely founded on chemical signalling. Producing, releasing, detecting, and responding to chemicals are all part of chemical signalling. Different microbes released distinct sorts of chemical signal molecules which interacts with the environment and hosts. Microbial chemicals affect symbiosis, virulence, competence, conjugation, antibiotic production, motility, sporulation, and biofilm growth, to name a few. We present an in-depth overview of chemical signalling between bacteria-bacteria, bacteria-fungi, and plant-microbe and the diverse roles played by these compounds in plant microbe interactions. These compounds’ current and potential uses and significance in agriculture have been highlighted.

A possible mechanism of farnesol tolerance in C. albicans biofilms implemented by activating the PKC signalling pathway and stabilizing ROS levels

Introduction. Biofilms are the natural growth state for most microorganisms. C. albicans biofilms are composed of multiple cell types (round budding yeast-form cells, oval pseudohyphal cells, and elongated hyphal cells) encased in an extracellular matrix. C. albicans biofilms are notorious for resistance to antimicrobial treatments, a property that might be determined by complex mechanisms. Exogenous farnesol exerts a certain antifungal activity against C. albicans with medical implications. Different from other microbes, C. albicans biofilms can tolerate exogenous farnesol at high concentration with some cells still surviving and even maintaining proliferation, but the mechanism is unclear.Hypothesis. The study hypothesizes that C. albicans resists farnesol by activating the PKC signalling pathway.Aim. The study aims to discuss the molecular mechanism of C. albicans resistance to farnesol.Methodology. The ROS levels, the genes and proteins of the PKC pathway were compared between the farnesol-tolerant and non-tolerant groups using ROS levels assay, q-RT PCR and Western blot, respectively. Further, the mutant strains (pkc1Δ/Δ and mkc1Δ/Δ) were constructed, then the survival rates and ROS levels of biofilms exposed to farnesol were compared between mutant and wild strains. The morphological changes were observed using TEM.Results. The survival rates of C. albicans biofilms decreased rapidly under the lower concentration of farnesol (P<0.05), and kept stable (P>0.05) as the concentration rose up to 200 µM. The gene expression of the PKC pathway increased, while ROS levels remained stable and even decreased in the farnesol-tolerant biofilms, compared with those in the farnesol-nontolerant biofilms after farnesol treatment (P<0.05); pkc1 and mkc1 were significantly upregulated by C. albicans during the development of biofilm tolerance to farnesol. The cell wall and cytoplasm of pkc1Δ/Δ and mkc1Δ/Δ were damaged, and the ROS level increased (P<0.05); meanwhile, the survival rate of biofilms decreased compared with that of wild-type strain under the same farnesol concentrations (P<0.05). ROS inhibitors reversed these changes in pkc1Δ/Δ and mkc1Δ/Δ when the mutant strains exposed to farnesol.Conclusion. C. albicans biofilms can tolerate high concentrations of farnesol by activating pkc1 and mkc1 of the PKC pathway and stabilizing ROS levels. The pkc1 and mkc1 are two key genes regulated by C. albicans in the process of biofilm tolerance to farnesol.

Enhancing Saccharomyces cerevisiae Taxane Biosynthesis and Overcoming Nutritional Stress-Induced Pseudohyphal Growth

The recent technological advancements in synthetic biology have demonstrated the extensive potential socio-economic benefits at laboratory scale. However, translations of such technologies to industrial scale fermentations remains a major bottleneck. The existence and lack of understanding of the major discrepancies in cultivation conditions between scales often leads to the selection of suboptimal bioprocessing conditions, crippling industrial scale productivity. In this study, strategic design of experiments approaches were coupled with state-of-the-art bioreactor tools to characterize and overcome nutritional stress for the enhanced production of precursors to the blockbuster chemotherapy drug, Taxol, in S. cerevisiae cell factories. The batch-to-batch variation in yeast extract composition was found to trigger nutritional stress at a mini-bioreactor scale, resulting in profound changes in cellular morphology and the inhibition of taxane production. The cells shifted from the typical budding morphology into striking pseudohyphal cells. Doubling initial yeast extract and peptone concentrations (2×YP) delayed filamentous growth, and taxane accumulation improved to 108 mg/L. Through coupling a statistical definitive screening design approach with the state-of-the-art high-throughput micro-bioreactors, the total taxane titers were improved a further two-fold, compared to the 2×YP culture, to 229 mg/L. Filamentous growth was absent in nutrient-limited microscale cultures, underlining the complex and multifactorial nature of yeast stress responses. Validation of the optimal microscale conditions in 1L bioreactors successfully alleviated nutritional stress and improved the titers to 387 mg/L. Production of the key Taxol precursor, T5αAc, was improved two-fold to 22 mg/L compared to previous maxima. The present study highlights the importance of following an interdisciplinary approach combining synthetic biology and bioprocessing technologies for effective process optimization and scale-up.

Atypical chlamydoconidium-producing Trichophyton tonsurans strains from Ceará State, Northeast Brazil: investigation of taxonomy by phylogenetic analysis and biofilm susceptibility

Chlamydoconidium-producing Trichophyton tonsurans strains isolated in Northeastern Brazil have morphological features different from the classic description of this dermatophyte species. This study investigated the phylogenetic relationship of chlamydoconidium-producing T. tonsurans strains isolated in Northeastern Brazil. Also, the effect of terbinafine and farnesol on mature biofilms of T. tonsurans strains was evaluated. The mass spectra of T. tonsurans strains were investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The ITS and LSU loci regions of rDNA and the partial β-tubulin gene were sequenced and the phylogenetic tree was analysed. The effects of terbinafine and farnesol on mature T. tonsurans biofilms were evaluated through the analysis of metabolic activity, quantification of biomass and observation by scanning electron microscopy. MALDI-TOF MS spectra of the chlamydoconidium-producing T. tonsurans strains differed from the spectrum of the control strain (ATCC 28942), presenting an intense ion peak at m/z 4155 Da. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the chlamydoconidium-producing strains isolated in Northeastern Brazil are allocated to a single cluster, differing from strains isolated from other countries. As for mature T. tonsurans biofilms, farnesol reduced biomass and metabolic activity by 64.4 and 65.9 %, respectively, while terbinafine reduced the biomass by 66.5 % and the metabolic activity by 69 %. Atypical morphological characteristics presented by chlamydoconidium-producing T. tonsurans strains result from phenotypic plasticity, possibly for adaptation to environmental stressors. Also, farnesol had inhibitory activity against T. tonsurans biofilms, demonstrating this substance can be explored for development of promising anti-biofilm drugs against dermatophytes.

Inhibiting roles of farnesol and HOG in morphological switching of Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans, especially in the oral cavity it involves in precancerous lesions. Numerous transcriptional regulators and hypha-specific genes involved in the morphogenesis mechanisms have been identified. Its virulence is predominantly attributed to the potentiality of morphological switching from yeast and pseudohyphae to hyphal growth. Giving attention in farnesol for prevention or intervention of its virulence sense and possible etiologic role in some uncovered premalignant diseases, in addition, to be a quorum-sensing signal molecule and relationship with HOG pathway, although its morphological switching inhibiting function has attracted high attention and got great progress in being elucidated, their exact mode of action is not completely understood. This report provides a review of characteristic aspects of farnesol signaling and HOG pathway during hyphal development. It also includes other associated pathways, molecules, and novel drug development based on the latest researches over the last decade. Furthermore, farnesol as immunomodulatory to host is an important inferring.

Can community-based signalling behaviour in Saccharomyces cerevisiae be called quorum sensing? A critical review of the literature

Quorum sensing is a well-described mechanism of intercellular signalling among bacteria, which involves cell-density-dependent chemical signal molecules. The concentration of these quorum-sensing molecules increases in proportion to cell density until a threshold value is exceeded, which triggers a community-wide response. In this review, we propose that intercellular signalling mechanisms can be associated with a corresponding ecological interaction type based on similarities between how the interaction affects the signal receiver and producer. Thus, we do not confine quorum sensing, a specific form of intercellular signalling, to only cooperative behaviours. Instead, we define it as cell-density-dependent responses that occur at a critical concentration of signal molecules and through a specific signalling pathway. For fungal species, the medically important yeast Candida albicans has a well-described quorum sensing system, while this system is not well described in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is involved in food and beverage fermentations. The more precise definition for quorum sensing proposed in this review is based on the studies suggesting that S. cerevisiae may undergo intercellular signalling through quorum sensing. Through this lens, we conclude that there is a lack of evidence to support a specific signalling mechanism and a critical signal concentration of these behaviours in S. cerevisiae, and, thus, these features require further investigation.

Effects of farnesol and lyticase on the formation of Candida albicans biofilm

Background and Aim:

Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that has both yeast and filamentous forms. It is part of the normal flora in the oral and genital areas of mammals. One factor for the pathogenicity of C. albicans is its ability to switch from yeast to hyphae. The hyphal form adheres and penetrates tissues more readily than the yeast form and produces biofilms that are associated with chronic infection. Biofilms are protective niches that enable microorganisms to be more resistant to antibiotic treatment, thus allowing for persistent infection. The first stage in the transition from yeast to hyphae involves the formation of a germ tube, and this transition is triggered by interactions with host cells. Germ tube formation is dependent on serum, pH, temperature, and quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs). Farnesol, which is a QSM in C. albicans, can prevent yeast to hyphae conversion and inhibits the growth of fungal biofilm. Lyticase is a synergistic enzyme complex that catalyzes yeast cell lysis by b-1,3-glucanase and is a highly specific alkaline protease that produces protoplasts or spheroplasts. This study investigated the effect of farnesol and lyticase on the formation of C. albicans biofilms.

Materials and Methods:

C. albicans ATCC 2091 was cultivated on liquid and solid Sabouraud media. The presence of C. albicans was confirmed using HiCrome Candida Agar chromogenic medium. Enzyme activities were assayed using a HiCandida Identification Kit. The morphology and densitometry parameters of C. albicans biofilms were considered in the presence of farnesol (Sigma-Aldrich, Germany), lyticase (from Arthrobacter luteus; Sigma-Aldrich, Germany), and farnesol–lyticase.

Results:

This study shows that both farnesol and lyticase possess antifungal activity against C. albicans biofilms. A significant difference among treatment groups (p<0.05) was observed from strong biofilm production to medium and weak.

Conclusion:

Many studies have been devoted to the antimicrobial action of farnesol. Bacterial enzyme lyticase is also used to degrade fungal cell walls. Both molecules show substantial antifungal properties that are similar to the properties of modern antimycotics. The current study demonstrates that farnesol and lyticase can disrupt biofilm formation in C. albicans ATCC 2091, which is an effective biofilm producer.

Abrogation of pathogenic attributes in drug resistant Candida auris strains by farnesol

Candida auris, a decade old Candida species, has been identified globally as a significant nosocomial multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogen responsible for causing invasive outbreaks. Biofilms and overexpression of efflux pumps such as Major Facilitator Superfamily and ATP Binding Cassette are known to cause multidrug resistance in Candida species, including C. auris. Therefore, targeting these factors may prove an effective approach to combat MDR in C. auris. In this study, 25 clinical isolates of C. auris from different hospitals of South Africa were used. All the isolates were found capable enough to form biofilms on 96-well flat bottom microtiter plate that was further confirmed by MTT reduction assay. In addition, these strains have active drug efflux mechanism which was supported by rhodamine-6-G extracellular efflux and intracellular accumulation assays. Antifungal susceptibility profile of all the isolates against commonly used drugs was determined following CLSI recommended guidelines. We further studied the role of farnesol, an endogenous quorum sensing molecule, in modulating development of biofilms and drug efflux in C. auris. The MIC for planktonic cells ranged from 62.5–125 mM, and for sessile cells was 125 mM (4h biofilm) and 500 mM (12h and 24h biofilm). Furthermore, farnesol (125 mM) also suppresses adherence and biofilm formation by C. auris. Farnesol inhibited biofilm formation, blocked efflux pumps and downregulated biofilm- and efflux pump- associated genes. Modulation of C. auris biofilm formation and efflux pump activity by farnesol represent a promising approach for controlling life threatening infections caused by this pathogen.

Farnesol and Tyrosol: Secondary Metabolites with a Crucial quorum-sensing Role in Candida Biofilm Development

When living in biological and interactive communities, microorganisms use quorum-sensing mechanisms for their communication. According to cell density, bacteria and fungi can produce signaling molecules (e.g., secondary metabolites), which participate, for example, in the regulation of gene expression and coordination of collective behavior in their natural niche. The existence of these secondary metabolites plays a main role in competence, colonization of host tissues and surfaces, morphogenesis, and biofilm development. Therefore, for the design of new antibacterials or antifungals and understanding on how these mechanisms occur, to inhibit the secretion of quorum-sensing (e.g., farnesol and tyrosol) molecules leading the progress of microbial infections seems to be an interesting option. In yeasts, farnesol has a main role in the morphological transition, inhibiting hyphae production in a concentration-dependent manner, while tyrosol has a contrary function, stimulating transition from spherical cells to germ tube form. It is beyond doubt that secretion of both molecules by fungi has not been fully described, but specific meaning for their existence has been found. This brief review summarizes the important function of these two compounds as signaling chemicals participating mainly in Candida morphogenesis and regulatory mechanisms.

Systematic analysis of protein expression in Candida albicans exposed to farnesol

BACKGROUND

The phenotypic switching of Candida spp. plays an important role in the development of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Farnesol, as a quorum-sensing molecule in Candida albicans, has the ability to prevent yeast-to-hyphal conversion in vitro. However, the mechanism underlying this ability is unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in protein levels to better understand how farnesol impacts processes contributing to VVC.

METHODS

The isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation technique was used to detect protein expression in C. albicans strain SC5314 (ATCC MYA-2876) with or without farnesol exposure. Proteins with a threshold fold change greater than 1.5 were screened and considered differentially expressed proteins. All the altered proteins were analyzed using Gene Ontology annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation, and metabolic pathway annotation.

RESULTS

Between the farnesol-exposed group and the farnesol-unexposd group, we detected 297 altered proteins among all 2047 tested proteins based on a threshold fold change of more than 1.5 (P < 0.05). Eighty-seven of the 297 altered proteins exhibited metabolic enzyme activity and participated in 85 metabolic pathways according to KEGG pathway analysis. Most of these metabolic pathways were associated with central carbon metabolism processes. In the sterol synthesis pathway, which involves the synthesis of farnesol, ERG25 (methylsterol monooxygenase) and ERG4 (delta 24(24(1))-sterol reductase) were both down-regulated in the farnesol-exposed group. All six altered proteases associated with the oxidative phosphorylation process were down-regulated in the farnesol-exposed group relative to the farnesol-unexposed group.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanisms underlying farnesol-induced phenotype switching involves the adjustment of metabolic activities and epigenetic modification. Exogenous farnesol had an evident, but non-deterministic effect on the synthesis of ergosterol. The potential drug activity of farnesol warrants further investigation.

Farnesol inhibits planktonic cells and antifungal-tolerant biofilms of Trichosporon asahii and Trichosporon inkin

Trichosporon species have been considered important agents of opportunistic systemic infections, mainly among immunocompromised patients. Infections by Trichosporon spp. are generally associated with biofilm formation in invasive medical devices. These communities are resistant to therapeutic antifungals, and therefore the search for anti-biofilm molecules is necessary. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of farnesol against planktonic and sessile cells of clinical Trichosporon asahii (n = 3) andTrichosporon inkin (n = 7) strains. Biofilms were evaluated during adhesion, development stages and after maturation for metabolic activity, biomass and protease activity, as well as regarding morphology and ultrastructure by optical microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Farnesol inhibited Trichosporon planktonic growth by 80% at concentrations ranging from 600 to 1200 μM for T. asahii and from 75 to 600 μM for T. inkin. Farnesol was able to reduce cell adhesion by 80% at 300 μM for T. asahii and T. inkin at 600 μM, while biofilm development of both species was inhibited by 80% at concentration of 150 μM, altering their structure. After biofilm maturation, farnesol decreased T. asahii biofilm formation by 50% at 600 μM concentration and T. inkin formation at 300 μM. Farnesol inhibited gradual filamentation in a concentration range between 600 and 1200 μM. Farnesol caused reduction of filament structures of Trichosporon spp. at every stage of biofilm development analyzed. These data show the potential of farnesol as an anti-biofilm molecule.

Role of quorum sensing and chemical communication in fungal biotechnology and pathogenesis

Microbial cells do not live in isolation in their environment, but rather they communicate with each other using chemical signals. This sophisticated mode of cell-to-cell signalling, known as quorum sensing, was first discovered in bacteria, and coordinates the behaviour of microbial population behaviour in a cell-density-dependent manner. More recently, these mechanisms have been described in eukaryotes, particularly in fungi, where they regulate processes such as pathogenesis, morphological differentiation, secondary metabolite production and biofilm formation. In this manuscript, we review the information available to date on these processes in yeast, dimorphic fungi and filamentous fungi. We analyse the diverse chemical 'languages' used by different groups of fungi, their possible cross-talk and interkingdom interactions with other organisms. We discuss the existence of these mechanisms in multicellular organisms, the ecophysiological role of QS in fungal colonisation and the potential applications of these mechanisms in biotechnology and pathogenesis.

Clinical strains of Lactobacillus reduce the filamentation of Candida albicans and protect Galleria mellonella against experimental candidiasis

Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen and can grow as yeast or filaments, depending on the environmental conditions. The filamentous form is of particular interest because it can play a direct role in adherence and pathogenicity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of three clinical strains of Lactobacillus on C. albicans filamentation as well as their probiotic potential in pathogen-host interactions via an experimental candidiasis model study in Galleria mellonella. We used the reference strain Candida albicans ATCC 18804 and three clinical strains of Lactobacillus: L. rhamnosus strain 5.2, L. paracasei strain 20.3, and L. fermentum strain 20.4. First, the capacity of C. albicans to form hyphae was tested in vitro through association with the Lactobacillus strains. After that, we verified the ability of these strains to attenuate experimental candidiasis in a Galleria mellonella model through a survival curve assay. Regarding the filamentation assay, a significant reduction in hyphae formation of up to 57% was observed when C. albicans was incubated in the presence of the Lactobacillus strains, compared to a control group composed of only C. albicans. In addition, when the larvae were pretreated with Lactobacillus spp. prior to C. albicans infection, the survival rate of G. mellonela increased in all experimental groups. We concluded that Lactobacillus influences the growth and expression C. albicans virulence factors, which may interfere with the pathogenicity of these microorganisms.