Candida auris antigens (C. auris antigens)

Candida auris antigens represent a diverse group of molecular structures on the surface of the multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris that are recognized by the host immune system. Key antigens include cell wall components such as 1,3-beta-D-glucan and mannan, as well as surface-exposed proteins like Hyphally regulated protein 1 (Hyr1) and Agglutinin-like sequence 3 (Als3) (Ibrahim et al., 2019, Nature Communications). These molecules play critical roles in the pathogen's ability to adhere to host tissues, form robust biofilms on medical devices, and resist environmental stressors (CDC, 2023). In the context of drug development, these antigens are primary targets for novel immunotherapies, including monoclonal antibodies and prophylactic vaccines like NDV-3A, which aims to induce cross-protective immunity (Singh et al., 2019, Journal of Infectious Diseases). Targeting these antigens is particularly vital given the high rate of antifungal resistance in C. auris to conventional polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins. Therapeutic strategies focus on blocking the functional activity of these antigens to prevent colonization and systemic dissemination, or using them as diagnostic biomarkers for rapid identification of the pathogen in clinical settings (Pathirana et al., 2018, Frontiers in Microbiology).

Other names

Candida auris surface proteinsC. auris cell wall antigensCandida auris immunogens

Induction of neutralizing antibodies, enhancement of opsonophagocytosis by immune cells, and inhibition of fungal adhesion to host surfaces or medical devices.