A 3D <i>Fusarium</i> keratitis model reveals isolate-specific adhesion and invasion properties in the <i>Fusarium solani</i> species complex.

ABSTRACT: Members of the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) are major causes of keratitis in humans. The underlying mechanisms leading to this disease are not well understood, partially due to the absence of more complex in vitro infection models. Here, we compared the pathogenicity of keratitis-causing FSSC members F. falciforme, F. keratoplasticum, and F. petroliphilum in a 2D monolayer infection model using a human corneal epithelial cell line and a newly established 3D human cornea infection model which comprises the multilayer epithelium and the stroma. In both models, F. keratoplasticum emerged as the most virulent species, showing extensive invasion and host cell damage and, in rare cases, even inducing the formation of transcellular tunnels. Whil

SUBMITTER: Zimmermann A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12646002 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature