Involvement of mitochondrial respiratory chains in virulence factors of Candida albicans

Abstract

Candida albicans has the potential to cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, leading to infections that can vary from superficial to systemic. The emergence of antifungal multi-drug resistance presents a significant challenge in the treatment of these microbial diseases. Thus, there is a shift towards the discovery of novel, species-specific antimicrobial agents and the identification of new drug targets. A promising direction in this field is the development of anti-virulence platforms. Unlike traditional antibiotics, these compounds do not directly target the viability of pathogens but are designed to inhibit their pathogenicity, thereby reducing their infectious disease progression.

Microbial respiratory chains, such as those found in C. albicans, play a pivotal role in essential cellular processes, including oxidative phosphorylation, aerobic metabolism, and the expression of virulence factors. The significance of mitochondrial respiration in the pathogenicity of C. albicans is underscored by its impact on morphological changes, biofilm formation, cell wall composition, and the abilities to adhere to and invade host cells.

Given the central role of the respiratory chain in the virulence of C. albicans, it represents an attractive target for the development of new anti-virulence systems. Thus, this review highlights the involvement of C. albicans' respiratory chains in its virulence factors, offering insights into potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.