Epithelial Infection With Candida albicans Elicits a Multi-System Response in Planarians

A Planarian Model System to Study Host-Pathogen Interactions

This protocol is focused on using the recently established planarian infection model system to study host-pathogen interactions during fungal infection. Here, we describe in detail the infection of the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea with the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. This simple and reproducible model system allows for rapid visualization of tissue damage throughout different infection timepoints. We note that this model system has been optimized for use with C. albicans, but should also be applicable for use with other pathogens of interest.

Non-traditional roles of immune cells in regeneration: an evolutionary perspective

Immune cells are known to engage in pathogen defense. However, emerging research has revealed additional roles for immune cells, which are independent of their function in the immune response. Here, we underscore the ability of cells outside of the adaptive immune system to respond to recurring infections through the lens of evolution and cellular memory. With this in mind, we then discuss the bidirectional crosstalk between the immune cells and stem cells and present examples where these interactions regulate tissue repair and regeneration. We conclude by suggesting that comprehensive analyses of the immune system may enable biomedical applications in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.