Thriving within the host: Candida spp. interactions with phagocytic cells.
Certain Candida spp. (e.g. C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata) are not only well-adapted fungal commensals of humans, but are also able to cause superficial mucosal infections or even systemic disease. Professional phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells) constitute the first line of defence against Candida spp. Here, we review the interactions of phagocytes with pathogenic Candida spp., focusing on macrophages and neutrophils. We discuss the mechanisms involved in recognition, uptake and killing of these fungi. We go on to analyse the cellular responses of these yeasts towards phagocyte-imposed stresses, including metabolic flexibility, robust oxidative stress response and ability to cope with nitrosative stress. Finally, we address strategies that allow these opportunistic pathogens to thrive within the host, evading and escaping from the phagocyte attack.
Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany.
Pedro
P
Miramón
Lydia
L
Kasper
Bernhard
B
Hube
D002175:Candida / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D057131:Immune Evasion; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*