Skin Immunity to Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a dimorphic commensal fungus that colonizes healthy human skin, mucosa, and the reproductive tract. C. albicans is also a predominantly opportunistic fungal pathogen, leading to disease manifestations such as disseminated candidiasis and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC). The differing host susceptibilities for the sites of C. albicans infection have revealed tissue compartmentalization with tailoring of immune responses based on the site of infection. Furthermore, extensive studies of host genetics in rare cases of CMC have identified conserved genetic pathways involved in immune recognition and the response to the extracellular pathogen. We focus here on human and mouse skin as a site of C. albicans infection, and we review established and newly discovered insights into the cellular pathways that promote cutaneous antifungal immunity.

TrendsPrimary immunodeficiencies reveal conserved IL-17 stimulating/signaling pathways involved in mucocutaneous defense against C. albicans.Mouse models have demonstrated both innate and adaptive sources of IL-17 in response to C. albicans.Immunity against C. albicans is compartmentalized towards sites of infection.Non-hematopoietic cells provide antifungal immunity in the skin.