Purpose of the Review

The success of Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformansas fungalpathogens depends on their rapid adaptation to host microenvironments, through metabolic remodeling, stress resistance, andexpression of virulence determinants. Amino acids represent an abundant nitrogen and carbon source within the host; however,their acquisition by fungi is a very complex process that interconnects several sensory and uptake systems and downstreampathways. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge concerning this topic, identify gaps or discrepancies, anddiscuss future research directions. Recent Findings Aside from supporting basic cellular functions, the utilization of many amino acids has a direct effect on fungalpathogenicity by triggering key virulence traits, including hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm growth in C. albicans,capsuleformation in C. neoformans, and melanization in A. fumigatus.

Summary Although many components of amino acid sensing and metabolism are fungal specific, their importance in infectionand potential as candidates for antifungal drug development require further investigation.