Role of sphingolipids in the host-pathogen interaction

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2023 Nov;1868(11):159384. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159384. Epub 2023 Sep 4.

Abstract

Fungal pathogens have been under the spotlight as their expanding geographic range combined with their potential harm to vulnerable populations turns them into increasingly threats to public health. Therefore, it is ultimately important to unveil the mechanisms associated with their infection process for further new treatment discovery. With this purpose, sphingolipid-based research has gained attention over the last years as these molecules have key properties that can regulate fungal pathogenicity. Here we discuss some of these properties as well as their role in fungal diseases, focusing on the subgroup of glycosphingolipids, as they represent promising molecules for drug discovery and for the development of fungal vaccines.

Keywords: Fungi; Glucosylceramide; Inositol phosphorylceramide; Pathogenicity; Sphingolipids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Glycosphingolipids*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Sphingolipids*

Substances

  • Sphingolipids
  • Glycosphingolipids