Agglutinin-like sequence 3 (Als3) (Als3)

Agglutinin-like sequence 3 (Als3) is a multifunctional cell surface glycoprotein expressed by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, primarily during its hyphal phase [UniProt P46590]. It serves as a critical adhesin and invasin, mediating the attachment of the fungus to host epithelial and endothelial cells and facilitating host cell entry by binding to E-cadherin and N-cadherin [PubMed: 21937687]. Furthermore, Als3 acts as a ferritin receptor, enabling the fungus to acquire essential iron from the host environment, which is vital for its growth and virulence [PubMed: 18948420]. Due to its high expression during infection and its essential role in pathogenesis, Als3 is the primary target for the NDV-3 and NDV-3A vaccines [PubMed: 24106299]. These vaccines leverage the host adaptive immune system to generate protective Th1 and Th17 cellular responses and inhibitory antibodies that prevent fungal colonization, biofilm formation, and dissemination [PubMed: 29688287].

Other names

Als3pAgglutinin-like protein 3Candida albicans Als3NDV-3 antigenFerritin receptor

Induction of host adaptive immunity through the stimulation of Th1 and Th17 cell-mediated responses and the production of neutralizing antibodies that block fungal adhesion and invasion.