Secreted Aspartic Proteinases: Key Factors in Candida Infections and Host-Pathogen Interactions

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 25; no. 9; p. 4775
• Main Authors: Bras, Grazyna, Satala, Dorota, Juszczak, Magdalena, Kulig, Kamila, Wronowska, Ewelina, Bednarek, Aneta, Zawrotniak, Marcin, Rapala-Kozik, Maria, Karkowska-Kuleta, Justyna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01-05-2024
• Subjects: Animals; Aspartic Acid Proteases - metabolism; Biofilms; Biofilms - growth & development; Candida; Candida - enzymology; Candida - pathogenicity; candidiasis; Candidiasis - microbiology; Enzymes; Fungal Proteins - metabolism; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Immune system; Infections; Kinases; Morphology; Pathogens; Physiology; protein degradation; proteinases; Proteins; proteolysis; Saps; Virulence; Yeast; virulence; Candida; Saps; proteinases; candidiasis; protein degradation; proteolysis
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094775

Extracellular proteases are key factors contributing to the virulence of pathogenic fungi from the genus
. Their proteolytic activities are crucial for extracting nutrients from the external environment, degrading host defenses, and destabilizing the internal balance of the human organism. Currently, the enzymes most frequently described in this context are secreted aspartic proteases (Saps). This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted roles of Saps, highlighting their importance in biofilm formation, tissue invasion through the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and components of the coagulation cascade, modulation of host immune responses via impairment of neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage functions, and their contribution to antifungal resistance. Additionally, the diagnostic challenges associated with
infections and the potential of Saps as biomarkers were discussed. Furthermore, we examined the prospects of developing vaccines based on Saps and the use of protease inhibitors as adjunctive therapies for candidiasis. Given the complex biology of Saps and their central role in
pathogenicity, a multidisciplinary approach may pave the way for innovative diagnostic strategies and open new opportunities for innovative clinical interventions against candidiasis.