Role of Cellular Metabolism during Candida-Host Interactions

Aize Pellon*, Neelu Begum, Shervin Dokht Sadeghi Nasab, Azadeh Harzandi, Saeed Shoaie, David L. Moyes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)
168 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Microscopic fungi are widely present in the environment and, more importantly, are also an essential part of the human healthy mycobiota. However, many species can become pathogenic under certain circumstances, with Candida spp. being the most clinically relevant fungi. In recent years, the importance of metabolism and nutrient availability for fungi-host interactions have been highlighted. Upon activation, immune and other host cells reshape their metabolism to fulfil the energy-demanding process of generating an immune response. This includes macrophage upregulation of glucose uptake and processing via aerobic glycolysis. On the other side, Candida modulates its metabolic pathways to adapt to the usually hostile environment in the host, such as the lumen of phagolysosomes. Further understanding on metabolic interactions between host and fungal cells would potentially lead to novel/enhanced antifungal therapies to fight these infections. Therefore, this review paper focuses on how cellular metabolism, of both host cells and Candida, and the nutritional environment impact on the interplay between host and fungal cells.

Original languageEnglish
Article number184
JournalPathogens
Volume11
Issue number2
Early online date28 Jan 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2022

Keywords

  • Candida albicans
  • Epithelial cells
  • Glucose
  • Glycolysis
  • Immunometabolism
  • Macrophages
  • Metabolism
  • Moonlighting proteins

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