Agglutinin-like protein 3 (Als3p) (Als3p)

Agglutinin-like protein 3 (Als3p) is a multifunctional cell surface protein of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, belonging to the Agglutinin-Like Sequence (ALS) family [1, 14]. It is a hypha-specific protein that functions as both an adhesin and an invasin, playing a pivotal role in the organism's virulence and ability to cause disease [1, 6]. Als3p mediates the attachment of C. albicans to host epithelial and endothelial cells, as well as to extracellular matrix proteins and other microorganisms [1, 9]. Furthermore, it acts as an invasin by binding to host cell receptors such as E-cadherin and N-cadherin, which triggers the endocytosis of the fungus into host tissues [1, 4, 6]. Beyond its roles in adhesion and invasion, Als3p is essential for biofilm formation on medical devices and for iron acquisition from host ferritin [1, 12, 15]. Because of its high expression during infection and its critical functions, Als3p is a major target for immunotherapeutic strategies, including the NDV-3A vaccine, which induces protective antibody and T-cell responses to prevent mucosal and systemic candidiasis [2, 3, 8].

Other names

Als3Agglutinin-like sequence 3rAls3p-NHypha-specific surface protein Als3

Vaccines targeting Als3p induce anti-Als3p antibodies and CD4+ T-cell responses (specifically Th1 and Th17) that block fungal adhesion to host cells, inhibit invasion by preventing binding to cadherins, and enhance opsonophagocytic killing by immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages [2, 3, 5, 7].