Role of Cell Wall Polysaccharides during Recognition of Candida albicans by the Innate Immune System

Abstract

Candida albicans is a dimorphic, opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for most of the systemic candidiasis reported worldwide. The cell wall is the outermost component of this pathogen, which protects the cell from sudden changes in the external environment, is in close contact with host tissues and cells, and is elaborated by polysaccharides that are not synthesized by human cells. Thus, it is not surprising that the wall is the main source of pathogen-associated molecular patterns that are recognized by immune cells, and recognition of such components is critical for the establishment of a protective anti-Candida response. Here we summarize the current information related to the C. albicans innate immune sensing, underlying the importance of cell wall polysaccharides for the recognition of this pathogen.