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Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane Phospholipids

Summary

This review explains how the fats that make up fungal cell membranes directly influence how dangerous fungi become to humans. Different types of membrane fats help fungi change shape to invade tissues, survive stress in the body, and hide from immune cells. By understanding these processes, scientists can develop new ways to fight fungal infections by targeting the membrane components that fungi depend on for survival.

Background

Pathogenic fungi represent a significant threat to human health, with virulence mechanisms closely linked to cell membrane composition. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of phospholipid components in fungal cell membranes, which extend beyond structural integrity to influence pathogenicity through effects on cellular processes and host interactions.

Objective

This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which membrane phospholipid composition regulates fungal virulence, focusing on how phospholipids influence fungal growth, morphogenesis, stress responses, and host cell interactions to identify novel antifungal therapeutic targets.

Results

The review demonstrates that phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphoinositides, and phosphatidic acid each play distinct roles in fungal virulence through effects on morphogenesis, stress adaptation, and immune evasion. Specific examples include PI signaling in morphological transformation, PA in fungal internalization, and PS in immune recognition masking.

Conclusion

Membrane phospholipid composition critically influences fungal pathogenicity through multiple mechanisms including growth regulation, morphogenesis, stress responses, and host interactions. Targeting phospholipid metabolic pathways represents a promising avenue for developing novel antifungal therapies, though further research is needed to understand species-specific variations and validate therapeutic approaches.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40278077, DOI: 10.3390/jof11040256
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