Vesicle inhibition reduces Candida biofilm resistance.

Abstract

Candida biofilm matrix components are delivered to the extracellular space by vesicles where they deposit and confer biofilm-associated drug resistance. Here, we present evidence that drugs designed to inhibit mammalian exosome production exhibit similar effects on C. albicans extracellular vesicles, ultimately eliminating biofilm matrix assembly. We find that vesicle reduction renders biofilm communities susceptible to the antifungal fluconazole. Our findings argue that vesicle trafficking pathways represent a promising target to optimize for recalcitrant fungal biofilms.