Functionality of the human antibody response to Candida albicans

Abstract

Candida albicans is a common commensal on human mucosal surfaces, but can become pathogenic, e.g. if the host is immunocompromised. While neutrophils, macrophages and T cells are regarded as major players in the defense against pathogenic C. albicans , the role of B cells and the protective function of their antibodies are less well characterized. In this study, we show that human serum antibodies are able to enhance the association of human THP-1 monocyte-like cells with C. albicans cells. Human serum antibodies are also capable of inhibiting the adherence and damage dealt to epithelial cells. Furthermore, human serum antibodies impair C. albicans invasion of human oral epithelial cells by blocking induced endocytosis and consequently host cell damage. While aspartic proteases secreted by C. albicans are able to cleave human IgG, this process does not appear to affect the protective function of human antibodies. Thus, humans are equipped with a robust antibody response to C. albicans , which can enhance antifungal activities and prevent fungal-mediated epithelial damage.

Germ Tube Induction Test Comparing Total of Six Liquid and Three Solid Media in Candida albicans

“…Wich et al (2021), found that human serum antibodies have the capability to inhibit adherence of C. albicans to epithelial cells. 33 Moreover, Ding et al ( 2014) stated that germ tube formation in RPMI 1640 medium was delayed in the initial stage of the culture (within 90 min) in the presence of serum, although the number of hyphae was gradually increased to normal after extension of incubation period (from 2h to 3h). 31 Presence of these biological inhibitor could cause inconsistent result in different batches of serum.…”

Immunosurveillance of Candida albicans commensalism by the adaptive immune system

“…Accordingly, mucosal C. albicans colonization induces IgA 10 – 12 to reduce fungal-associated virulence attributes 11 . IgA binding to C. albicans prevents adhesion, invasion, and damage of epithelial cells 11 , 71 resulting in reduced inflammation 11 . In particular, IgA binds to hyphae-associated virulence factors, such as C. albicans adhesins or the toxin candidalysin 10 , 12 .…”

Neglected mycobiome in HIV infection: Alterations, common fungal diseases and antifungal immunity

“…Antibodies can defend against fungal pathogens through direct mechanisms, including inhibition of fungal pathogen growth or fungicidal activity, and indirect mechanisms, including opsonization, complement pathway activation and antibody-directed cell toxicity (ADCC) ( 146 ). Antibody responses to Cryptococcus neoformans ( 149 ) and Candida albicans ( 150 ) have been reported.…”