A New Phenotype in <i>Candida</i> -Epithelial Cell Interaction Distinguishes Colonization- versus Vulvovaginal Candidiasis-Associated Strains
Arianna Sala, Andrea Ardizzoni, Luca Spaggiari, Nikhil Vaidya, Jane van der Schaaf, Cosmeri Rizzato, Claudio Cermelli, Selene Mogavero, Thomas Krüger, Maximilian Himmel, Olaf Kniemeyer, Axel A. Brakhage, Benjamin L. King, Antonella Lupetti, Manola Comar, Francesco De Seta, Arianna Tavanti, Elisabetta Blasi, Robert T. Wheeler, Eva Pericolini
Abstract
strains causing VVC induce more fungal shedding from epithelial cells than strains from healthy women. This effect is also accompanied by increased epithelial cell detachment and differential activation of the type I interferon pathway. These distinguishing phenotypes suggest it may be possible to evaluate the VVC pathogenic potential of fungal isolates. This would permit more targeted antifungal treatments to spare commensals and could allow for displacement of pathogenic strains with nonpathogenic colonizers. We expect these new assays to provide a more targeted tool for identifying fungal virulence factors and epithelial responses that control fungal vaginitis.