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Roles of post-translational modifications of C-type lectin receptor-induced signaling cascades in innate immune responses against Candida albicans

Ping Li1, Lindong Cheng2, Chunhua Liao3, Jianhua Xia4, Li Tan5


1Graduate School, Wannan Medical College, Anhui 241000, China. 2Graduate School, Hebei North University, Hebei 075000, China. 3School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China. 4Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pudong New District People's Hospital, Shanghai 200433, China. 5Department of Anesthesiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China.


Address correspondence to: Li Tan, Department of Anesthesiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, No.181 Hanyu Road, Chongqing 400030, China. E-mail: tanlihh@163.com.


Received July 18, 2023; Accepted September 11, 2023; Published September 30, 2023


DOI: https://doi.org/10.61189/550782gbbqxs


Highlights

Risk of invasive candida infection and its related mortality are increasing significantly in perioperative patients.

C-type lectin receptors are the primary pattern-recognition receptors for fungi-induced host defense and innate immune activation.

Protein post-translational modifications are one of the core factors in host innate immune regulation.

Post-translational modifications sites on proteins are anticipated to serve as potential targets for modulating anti-fungal immunity.


Abstract

Candida albicans (C. albicans), a conditional pathogenic fungus, is widespread in nature and can live in symbiosis with organisms in small quantities. When the normal microflora is imbalanced, the epithelial barrier is disrupted or the immune system becomes dysfunctional, C. albicans can change from commensal to pathogenic pathogen, causing both superficial and life-threatening systemic infections with no effective treatment. The morbidity and mortality of invasive Candida infections in perioperative patients are high due to underlying chronic diseases, immune deficiencies, and pathophysiological disorders. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are the main pattern-recognition receptors for fungal activation of innate immunity and host defense. Upon binding to ligands, CLRs induce multiple signal transduction cascades followed by activation of nuclear factor kappa B through spleen tyrosine kinase - and caspase recruitment domain containing protein 9-dependent pathways. Analyzing the effects of regulatory CLR-induced signaling cascades on host immune cells is critical for understanding the molecular mechanism in regulating antifungal immunity. As one of the core factors in host innate immune regulation, protein post-translational modifications regulate the strength of immune effects by modulating protein conformation, stability, affinity, subcellular localization, etc. This makes the post-translational modification sites promising as potential targets for modulating antifungal immunity. This review primarily described the study progress of post-translational modifications in controlling CLR-induced signaling cascades throughout the process of innate immunity against C. albicans. We aim to provide better understanding of these mechanisms and aid in the identification and development of biomarkers and drug targets for invasive candidiasis.

Keywords: Candida albicans, innate immunity, protein post-translational modifications, C-type lectin receptors

Li P, Cheng LD, Liao CH, et al. Roles of post-translational modifications of C-type lectin receptor-induced signaling cascades in innate immune responses against Candida albicans. Perioper Precis Med. 2023 Sept;1(2):48-61. doi: 10.61189/550782gbbqxs. 
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