Signaling mucin Msb2 in virulence and host interaction of Candida albicans

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Joachim F. Ernst
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2013 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 233888164

Candida albicans is a frequent commensal fungus in humans but impaired immune defenses can lead to severe fungal disease. The C. albicans Msb2 surface protein senses the host and regulates defenses against immune responses. By its sensing function Msb2 promotes hyphal growth and fortifies the cell wall via the Cek1 MAP kinase signaling pathway. The extracellular glycodomain of Msb2 is shed into the medium and it acts as a protectant because it binds and inactivates antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) including the cathelicidin LL-37 and histatin-5. The project aims at a better understanding (A) of the structural requirements for sensing and protective functions of Msb2, (B) to clarify its interaction with AMPs and other host molecules and (C) to establish the role of Msb2 in virulence. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of the shed Msb2 domain for hidden C. albicans infections will be explored (D).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants