Mucosal immunology in Candida albicans infection

Abstract

The human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans is the predominant cause of both superficial and invasive forms of candidiasis. Clinical observations suggest that mucocutaneous Candida infections are commonly associated with defective cell-mediated immune responses. The importance of the mucosal immune system as a first-line defence against pathogenic challenge has long been recognized. Over the last decade, the identity of many key molecules mediating host defence have been identified. Central to these developments is the discovery of pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors and C-type lectin receptors that induce innate immune responses and also modulate cellular and humoral adaptive immunity during Candida infections. We address the most relevant pattern recognition receptors and their signalling mechanisms in oral mucosa to gain a better understanding of their contributions to antifungal immunity at mucosal surfaces.