The iC3b receptor of Candida albicans and its roles in pathogenesis

On the basis of biochemical and immunologic studies, a receptor for iC3b with some activities reminiscent of the integrins CD11b and CD11c was defined on the cell wall of clinical and laboratory isolates of Candida albicans. The INT1 gene encodes a protein of 1659 amino acids; the Int1 protein participates in adhesion to epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Int1 is essential for hyphal morphogenesis and virulence in a murine model. Recent evidence points to the amino terminus of Int1 as the source of a peptide, Pep263, with superantigen-like activities.