Candida famata modulates toll‐like receptor, β‐defensin, and proinflammatory cytokine expression by normal human epithelial cells

Abstract

Candida albicans is no longer the only yeast involved in infectious disorders, as others, such as C. famata, commonly associated with foods as well as terrestrial and marine environments, are being recognized as potential emerging pathogens that cause human candidiasis. We investigated the interaction between C. famata and human epithelial cells using monolayer cultures and an engineered human oral mucosa (EHOM). C. famata was able to adhere to gingival epithelial cells but failed to adopt the hyphal form in the presence/absence of proteins. Interestingly, when cultured onto the engineered human oral mucosa (EHOM), C. famata formed a biofilm and invaded the connective tissue. When normal human gingival epithelial cells were put in contact with C. famata, they expressed high levels of Toll-like receptors (TLR)-2, -4, and -6, but not TLR-9 mARN. The upregulation of TLRs was paralleled by an increase of IL-1beta and TNFalpha, but not IFNgamma mARN expression, suggesting the involvement of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta and TNFalpha) in the defense against infection with C. famata. The active role of epithelial cells in the innate immunity against C. famata infection was enhanced by their capacity to express high levels of human beta-defensin (HBD)-1, -2, and -3. The upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptide expression may explain the growth inhibition of C. famata by the gingival epithelial cells. Overall results provide additional evidence of the involvement of C. famata in the activation of innate immunity and the contribution of human epithelial cells in local defenses against such exogenous stimulations as C. famata infections.

Interplay between Candida albicans and the Mammalian Innate Host Defense

“…For example, in response to Candida parapsilosis, human gingival epithelial cells upregulate TLRs and antimicrobial peptides, such as hBD-1 (human ␤-defensin 1) and hBD-2, to inhibit fungal growth (5). Similar results were also observed when Candida famata was used to stimulate oral epithelial cells (6).…”

Sepsis in head and neck cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation: Literature review and consensus

“…Abbreviations: PaCO 2 = arterial carbon dioxide tension; MODS: Multi-organ Dysfunction Syndrome; Other abbreviations see the text. [28,29], generated by stressed host cells, or exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) [30][31][32] are recognized as being capable of activating the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) [33] of the immune cells and as promoting the synthesis of inflammation mediators. Thus, any kind of tissue damage (pathogens [34,35], CRT [8,9] etc.)…”

IL-1 Receptor Type II Production Is Upregulated by IL-4 and IL-13, and Downregulated by IFN-<i>γ</i> in Mouse Gingival Epithelial Cells

“…Gingival epithelium is in direct contact with the environment and functions as a physical barrier against bacterial invasion when periodontal pathogenic bacteria stimulated gingival epithelia, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are produced [23] [24]. Cubitt et al reported IL-1RII mRNA expression in corneal epithelial cells, which was enhanced by stimulation with the inflammatory cytokines IL-1α and TNF-α [25].…”