Critical parameters of fungal pathogenicity at the epithelial interphase

Modern medical advances have contributed to a growing population of immunocompromised individuals, increasing susceptibility to human fungal pathogens. The leading species for invasive fungal diseases are Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. While C. albicans is a common coloniser of mucosal sites that can cause endogenous infections, A. fumigatus is an environmental fungus that typically infects individuals through the inhalation of spores. As a first point of contact, the epithelial cell layers serve both as a physical barrier and a sentinel to alert the immune system. Numerous fungal and host-derived mediators have been described that facilitate fungal adherence, invasion into epithelial cells, and subsequent host tissue damage. In cases of systemic infection, this can lead to fungal dissemination. This review focusses on the early interactions—specifically adhesion and invasion—between epithelial cells and the fungal pathogens C. albicans and A. fumigatus.