What influence does the amino acid metabolism have on the virulence of human pathogenic fungi?
Review in Current Clinical Microbiology Reports online
26.07.2019
Invasive fungal infections are an increasing health problem, especially for people with an impaired immune system. In their recently published review, Enrico Garbe and Dr. Slavena Vylkova (both NWG Host Fungal Interfaces) shed light on current findings on the role of amino acid metabolism in the virulence of human pathogenic fungi. A particular focus is on the human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, but interesting aspects are also described for Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus. The data reveal that the amino acid metabolism is essential for the growth and virulence of fungi in the host. However, further investigations are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the infection-relevant processes and their potential use as therapy targets. Dr. Slavena Vylkova and her team are also investigating in this regard in their current research projects specifically focusing on Candida albicans.
Publication:
"Role of Amino Acid Metabolism in the Virulence of Human Pathogenic Fungi"
Enrico Garbe & Slavena Vylkova
Current Clinical Microbiology Reports
doi.org/10.1007/s40588-019-00124-5