Candida albicans the chameleon: transitions and interactions between multiple phenotypic states confer phenotypic plasticity

• Phenotypic switching between states occurs in the fungal pathogen C. albicans.
• Switching provides an adaptive strategy for different host environments.
• Interactions between cells in different states can promote unique responses.
• These include facilitating mating and formation of sexual biofilms.

The ability of microbial cells to exist in multiple states is a ubiquitous property that promotes adaptation and survival. This phenomenon has been extensively studied in the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans, which can transition between multiple phenotypic states in response to environmental signals. C. albicans normally exists as a commensal in the human body, but can also cause debilitating mucosal infections or life-threatening systemic infections. The ability to switch between cellular forms contributes to C. albicans’ capacity to infect different host niches, and strictly regulates the program of sexual mating. We review the unique properties associated with different phenotypic states, as well as how interactions between cells in different states can further augment microbial behavior.