Host Cell Invasion by Medically Important Fungi

Protection ofCandida parapsilosisfrom neutrophil killing through internalization by human endothelial cells

“…Other Candida spp have been shown to be endocytosed by host cells including immune phagocytes such as neutrophils and the monocyte/macrophage lineage, 2 as well as by epithelial and endothelial cells. 41 C. glabrata multiply within macrophages and interfere with phagolysosome acidification. 32,33 We show here that live C. parapsilosis cells likewise avoid acidification, whereas heat-killed C. parapsilosis cells become acidified.…”

Modifications to the composition of the hyphal outer layer of Aspergillus fumigatus modulates HUVEC proteins related to inflammatory and stress responses

“…Recently, a new cell wall polysaccharide, GAG, described as composing the so-called A. fumigatus extracellular matrix, was found to be related to the hyphal cell wall but not to the conidial cell surface [10,73,74]. It is important to note that only A. fumigatus hyphae are able to deeply invade host tissues by overcoming some physiological barriers [72]. Due to the location of GAG on the outer layer of A. fumigatus hyphae, the central hypothesis is that the molecule may play a pivotal role in the interaction of this pathogen with host cells [11].…”

“…This endothelial phenotype is characteristic of many thrombotic and inflammatory diseases, such as septic shock [70]. However, some of the molecular mechanisms involved in the host-fungus interplay of non-phagocytic host cells have yet to be elucidated [71,72].…”

“…It is a complex and dynamic structure, mainly composed of polysaccharides, and that can change depending on the fungal cell morphotype [72]. Recently, a new cell wall polysaccharide, GAG, described as composing the so-called A. fumigatus extracellular matrix, was found to be related to the hyphal cell wall but not to the conidial cell surface [10,73,74].…”

Aspergillosis and stem cell transplantation: An overview of experimental pathogenesis studies

“…[123][124][125][126] In a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, treatment of mice with an inhaled synergic combination of TLR2, 6 and 9 agonists induced protection against A. fumigatus, by enhancing mucosal and epithelial cell responses. 28 Similar protection was observed against other pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting that enhancing epithelial cell resistance to infection may be a useful strategy to reduce mortality due to opportunistic pneumonia in the HSCT population.…”