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Extracellular proteinases of Candida species pathogenic yeasts
Author(s) -
RapalaKozik M.,
Bochenska O.,
Zajac D.,
KarkowskaKuleta J.,
Gogol M.,
Zawrotniak M.,
Kozik A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
molecular oral microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 2041-1014
pISSN - 2041-1006
DOI - 10.1111/omi.12206
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , biology , candida albicans , biofilm , extracellular , virulence , immune system , antimicrobial peptides , complement system , proteolytic enzymes , corpus albicans , enzyme , immunology , antimicrobial , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Summary The increased incidence of severe disseminated infections caused by the opportunistic yeast‐like fungi Candida spp. highlights the urgent need for research into the major virulence factors of these pathogens—extracellular aspartic proteinases of the candidapepsin and yapsin families. Classically, these enzymes were considered to be generally destructive factors that damage host tissues and provide nutrients for pathogen propagation. However, in recent decades, novel and more specific functions have been suggested for extracellular candidal proteinases. These include contributions to cell wall maintenance and remodeling, the formation of polymicrobial biofilms, adhesion to external protective barriers of the host, the deregulation of host proteolytic cascades (such as the complement system, blood coagulation and the kallikrein–kinin system), a dysregulated host proteinase–inhibitor balance, the inactivation of host antimicrobial peptides, evasion of immune responses and the induction of inflammatory mediator release from host cells. Only a few of these activities recognized in Candida albicans candidapepsins have been also confirmed in other Candida species, and characterization of Candida glabrata yapsins remains limited.