Research Keyword: nutritional immunity

Immunomodulatory functions of fungal melanins in respiratory infections

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Some dangerous fungi produce a dark pigment called melanin that acts like a cloak, protecting them from the body’s immune system. This review explains how melanin blocks multiple immune defenses, including suppressing warning signals to immune cells, preventing immune cells from engulfing and killing the fungi, and even absorbing harmful reactive molecules. Understanding these sneaky tactics could help scientists develop new treatments that strip away this protective cloak, making the fungi vulnerable to both the body’s natural defenses and antifungal drugs.

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Candida albicans Goliath cells pioneer biofilm formation

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Researchers discovered that Candida albicans produces giant-sized cells called Goliath cells when zinc is scarce. These oversized cells are extremely sticky and can cling to plastic surfaces like catheters even when exposed to blood flow. Once attached, they form thicker, more resilient biofilms that can seed infections into the bloodstream, making Goliath cells particularly dangerous in hospital settings where catheters are commonly used.

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A zinc-chelating cyclic alkyl polyamine compound is efficient and safe in a murine model of multidrug-resistant Candida auris infection

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Researchers tested a new drug called APC6 that works by trapping zinc, which fungi need to survive. In mouse studies of a dangerous resistant fungus called Candida auris, APC6 saved all treated mice while most untreated mice died. The drug also reduced fungal infections in organs without causing serious side effects, suggesting it could become a new treatment option for serious fungal infections resistant to current medicines.

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Candida albicans Goliath cells pioneer biofilm formation

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When Candida albicans fungi run out of zinc, they transform into larger cells called ‘Goliath cells’ that are exceptionally sticky to plastic surfaces. Scientists found that these Goliath cells are much better at sticking to catheters and other medical devices than regular yeast cells, even when blood is flowing past them. This discovery helps explain why fungal infections on catheters are so common and could lead to better ways to prevent these dangerous infections that affect hospitalized patients.

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