Candida Biofilms and Immunity
摘要
Candida spp. exhibit strong capacities for biofilm formation on medical devices and other surfaces. Biofilm formation complicates medical management as the adherent communities are difficult to eradicate with antifungal management alone. The presence of these cohesive fungal conglomerates alters host recognition and responses, when compared to interactions with free-floating planktonic Candida. In this review, we highlight the clinical importance of Candida biofilms, host responses to biofilms in vivo, and leukocyte-biofilm interactions. We describe the mechanisms underpinning these interactions, including how biofilm extracellular vesicles, extracellular matrix, secreted products, and dispersion influence immunity.