Candida albicans biofilms: development, regulation, and molecular mechanisms

Microbes Infect. 2016 May;18(5):310-21. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2016.01.002. Epub 2016 Jan 22.

Abstract

A major virulence attribute of Candida albicans is its ability to form biofilms, densely packed communities of cells adhered to a surface. These biofilms are intrinsically resistant to conventional antifungal therapeutics, the host immune system, and other environmental factors, making biofilm-associated infections a significant clinical challenge. Here, we review current knowledge on the development, regulation, and molecular mechanisms of C. albicans biofilms.

Keywords: Biofilm; Candida albicans; Fungi; Microbial community; Pathogen; Transcriptional regulation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Candida albicans / genetics
  • Candida albicans / growth & development
  • Candida albicans / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal*
  • Humans
  • Virulence