Fungal cell wall biogenesis: structural complexity, regulation and inhibition
Neil A. R. Gow
Abstract
The cell wall is the defining organelle of filamentous and yeast-like fungi. It is responsible for morphology, biotic and abiotic interactions and its components confer its unique and variable signature, making it a natural target for antifungal drugs, but a moving target for immune recognition. The wall is however more than the sum of its many parts. The polysaccharides and proteins of the cell wall must be made at the right time and the right place, but also linked together and remodelled throughout the cell cycle and in response to environmental challenges, nutrient availability, damage after predation and to be complaint to the need to establish mutualistic and parasitic associations. This review summarises recent advances in our understanding of the complex and vital process of fungal cell wall biogenesis using the human pathogens Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus as the principal model fungi. • The fungal cell wall is a dynamic organelle that is constantly being rebuilt in relation to its ambient environment. • New methods, such as Solid-State NMR are revealing new insights into fungal cell wall organisation and regulation. • The immune system predominantly targets the fungal cell wall in initiating protective responses. • New generations of antifungal drugs that target fungal cell wall biosynthesis are entering the market.