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Interactions between pathogenic fungi and human epithelial and endothelial surfaces

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Abstract

The adhesion of fungi to host cells is an important area of study. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in these interactions can be used to devise methods to interfere with them. Similar to many pathogens, loss of fungal adhesion to epithelial or endothelial cell surfaces results in a marked decrease in virulence when evaluated in both in vivo and in vitro disease models. This review emphasizes literature from the past year and focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which fungi in the genera Candida, Cryptococcus, Sporothrix, Pneumocystis, and Aspergillus adhere to epithelial and/or endothelial host surfaces. The methodologies used to conduct these studies are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2522 VMBSB, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA

    Lois L. Hoyer

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  1. David A. Coleman
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  2. Lois L. Hoyer
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Correspondence to Lois L. Hoyer.

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Coleman, D.A., Hoyer, L.L. Interactions between pathogenic fungi and human epithelial and endothelial surfaces. Curr Fungal Infect Rep 2, 165–171 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-008-0024-0

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