(2024)
Alpha1-antitrypsin impacts innate host-pathogen interactions with Candida albicans by stimulating fungal filamentation.
Virulence ,
2333367.
Immunology of Fungal Infections
Invasive fungal infections rarely occur in healthy hosts, and a compromised immune system is one of the major predisposing factors for invasive fungal disease. Although a wide range of antifungal drugs are available to treat such infections, therapies that aim at improving the immune system are increasingly recognized as essential in improving the outcome of fungal infections. Specifically, modification of immune-cell metabolism and phagocytosis are promising strategies to augment immune cell function.
Interferon-ɣ is a promising candidate due to its capacity to improve macrophage microbicidal activity, and clinical trials are ongoing to explore its potential to improve the outcome of candidemia. In close collaboration with the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, we investigate how Candida albicans interacts with macrophages that were augmented by immunotherapy. We specifically focus on inflammasome activation and fungal escape from macrophages, which is in part mediated by the fungal toxin candidalysin.
Macrophage engulfing multiple Candida albicans yeast
Publications
(2024)
Hyphal-associated protein expression is crucial for Candida albicans-induced eicosanoid biosynthesis in immune cells.
Eur J Immunol 54(3),
e2350743.
(2024)
Nanobody-mediated neutralization of candidalysin prevents epithelial damage and inflammatory responses that drive vulvovaginal candidiasis pathogenesis.
mBio 15(3),
e0340923.
(2023)
Human TH17 cells engage gasdermin E pores to release IL-1α on NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Nat Immunol 24(2),
295-308.
(2023)
"Under Pressure" - How fungi evade, exploit, and modulate cells of the innate immune system.
Semin Immunol 66,
101738.
(Review)
(2022)
Genetic determinants of fungi-induced ROS production are associated with the risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Redox Biol 55,
102391.
(2022)
Type I interferons during host-fungus interactions: Is antifungal immunity going viral?
PLOS Pathog 18(8),
e1010740.
(2021)
Uncoupling of IL-6 signaling and LC3-associated phagocytosis drives immunoparalysis during sepsis.
Cell Host Microbe 29(8),
1277-1293.
(2021)
Candida albicans colonization of the gastrointestinal tract: A double-edged sword.
PLOS Pathog 17(7),
e1009710.
(2021)
Albumin neutralizes hydrophobic toxins and modulates Candida albicans pathogenicity.
mBio 12(3),
e0053121.
