Title |
REVIEW] Recent advances in the understanding of the Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall |
Author |
Mark J. Lee1* and Donald C. Sheppard2 |
Address |
1Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada, 2Infectious Diseases in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada |
Bibliography |
Journal of Microbiology, 54(3),232-242, 2016,
|
DOI |
10.1007/s12275-016-6045-4
|
Key Words |
Aspergillus fumigatus, cell wall, glycobiology, biofilm,
polysaccharide |
Abstract |
Over the past several decades, research on the synthesis and
organization of the cell wall polysaccharides of Aspergillus
fumigatus has expanded our knowledge of this important
fungal structure. Besides protecting the fungus from environmental
stresses and maintaining structural integrity of
the organism, the cell wall is also the primary site for interaction
with host tissues during infection. Cell wall polysaccharides
are important ligands for the recognition of fungi
by the innate immune system and they can mediate potent
immunomodulatory effects. The synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides
is a complicated process that requires coordinated
regulation of many biosynthetic and metabolic pathways.
Continuous synthesis and remodeling of the polysaccharides
of the cell wall is essential for the survival of the
fungus during development, reproduction, colonization and
invasion. As these polysaccharides are absent from the human
host, these biosynthetic pathways are attractive targets
for antifungal development. In this review, we present recent
advances in our understanding of Aspergillus fumigatus cell
wall polysaccharides, including the emerging role of cell
wall polysaccharides in the host-pathogen interaction. |