Fungal attacks on mammalian hosts: pathogen elimination requires sensing and tasting.
Recognition of Candida spp. by immune cells is mediated by dedicated pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and lectins expressed on innate immune cells (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells (DCs)). PRRs recognize Candida-specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Binding of fungal PAMPs (e.g., cell wall sugar polymers and proteins, fungal nucleic acids) to PRRs triggers the activation of innate effector cells. Recent findings underscore the role of DCs in relaying PAMP information through their PRRs to stimulate the adaptive response. In agreement, deficiencies in certain PRRs strongly impair survival to Candida infections in mice and is associated with enhanced susceptibility to mucocutaneous fungal infections in humans. Understanding the complex signaling networks protecting the host against fungal pathogens remains a challenge in the field.
Medical University Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Infection Biology, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030 Vienna, Austria.
Christelle
C
Bourgeois
Olivia
O
Majer
Ingrid E
IE
Frohner
Lanay
L
Tierney
Karl
K
Kuchler
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002175:Candida / Q000276:immunology*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D037102:Lectins / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology*
D037102:Lectins; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors