Host cell membrane microdomains and fungal infection

Lipid microdomains or lipid rafts are dynamic and tightly ordered regions of the plasma membrane. In mammalian cells they are enriched in cholesterol, glycosphingolipids (GSL), GPI-anchored and signaling-related proteins. Several studies have suggested that mammalian pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are concentrated or recruited to lipid domains during host-pathogen association to enhance the effectiveness of host effector processes. However, pathogens have also evolved strategies to exploit these domains to invade cells and survive. In fungal organisms, a complex cell wall network usually mediates the first contact with the host cells. This cell wall may contain virulence factors that interfere with the host membrane microdomains dynamics, potentially impacting the infection outcome. Indeed, the microdomain disruption can dampen fungus-host cell adhesion, phagocytosis, and cellular immune responses. Here, we provide an overview of regulatory strategies employed by pathogenic fungi to engage with and potentially subvert the lipid microdomains of host cells.

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