# Critical parameters of fungal pathogenicity at the epithelial interphase

## TL;DR

This review discusses how fungi like Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus interact with epithelial cells, focusing on adhesion and invasion as early steps in causing infections.

## Contribution

The paper provides a focused review on the initial interactions between epithelial cells and two major fungal pathogens during infection.

## Key findings

- Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus interact with epithelial cells through adhesion and invasion.
- Epithelial cells act as both a barrier and an immune alert system against fungal pathogens.
- Early interactions are critical for fungal dissemination and tissue damage in systemic infections.

## Abstract

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 colonizer 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.