Project description:Candida auris is amongst the most important emerging fungal pathogens, yet mechanistic insights in its immune recognition and control are lacking. Here, we integrate transcriptional and functional immune cell profiling to uncover innate anti-C. auris defense mechanisms. C. auris induces a specific transcriptome in human mononuclear cells, a stronger cytokine response compared to C. albicans, but a lower macrophage lysis capacity. C. auris-induced innate immune activation is mediated through recognition of C-type lectin receptors, mainly elicited by structurally unique C. auris mannoproteins. In in-vivo experimental models of disseminated candidiasis, C. auris was less virulent than C. albicans. Collectively, these results demonstrate that C. auris is a strong inducer of innate host defense and identify possible targets for adjuvant immunotherapy.
