Receptor-kinase EGFR-MAPK adaptor proteins mediate the epithelial response to Candida albicans via the cytolytic peptide toxin, candidalysin.

ABSTRACT: Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a dimorphic commensal human fungal pathogen that can cause severe oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush) in susceptible hosts. During invasive infection, C. albicans hyphae invade oral epithelial cells (OECs) and secrete candidalysin, a pore-forming cytolytic peptide that is required for C. albicans pathogenesis at mucosal surfaces. Candidalysin is produced in the hyphal invasion pocket and triggers cell damage responses in OECs. Candidalysin also activates multiple MAPK-based signaling events that collectively drive the production of downstream inflammatory mediators that coordinate downstream innate and adaptive immune responses. The activities of candidalysin are dependent on signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Here, we inter

SUBMITTER: Ponde NO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9530844 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature