Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane Phospholipids
Pathogenic fungi represent a growing concern for human health, necessitating a deeper understanding of their molecular mechanisms of virulence to formulate effective antifungal strategies. Recent research has increasingly highlighted the role of phospholipid components in fungal cell membranes, whic...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Fungi |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/4/256 |
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| author | Yitong Li Hongchen Wang Hengxiu Wang Tianming Wang Daqiang Wu Wenfan Wei |
| author_facet | Yitong Li Hongchen Wang Hengxiu Wang Tianming Wang Daqiang Wu Wenfan Wei |
| author_sort | Yitong Li |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Pathogenic fungi represent a growing concern for human health, necessitating a deeper understanding of their molecular mechanisms of virulence to formulate effective antifungal strategies. Recent research has increasingly highlighted the role of phospholipid components in fungal cell membranes, which are not only vital for maintaining cellular integrity but also significantly influence fungal pathogenicity. This review focuses on the impact of membrane phospholipid composition on fungal growth, morphogenesis, stress responses, and interactions with host cells. To be specific, membrane phospholipid composition critically influences fungal virulence by modulating growth dynamics and morphogenesis, such as the transition from yeast to hyphal forms, which enhances tissue invasion. Additionally, phospholipids mediate stress adaptation, enabling fungi to withstand host-derived oxidative and osmotic stresses, crucial for survival within hostile host environments. Phospholipid asymmetry also impacts interactions with host cells, including adhesion, phagocytosis evasion, and the secretion of virulence factors like hydrolytic enzymes. These adaptations collectively enhance fungal pathogenicity by promoting colonization, immune evasion, and damage to host tissues, directly linking membrane architecture to infection outcomes. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved, we aim to underscore the potential of targeting phospholipid metabolic pathways as a promising avenue for antifungal therapy. A comprehensive understanding of how membrane phospholipid composition regulates the virulence of pathogenic fungi can provide valuable insights for developing novel antifungal strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d3078768f2cf49fda0eaf90484474bd7 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2309-608X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Fungi |
| spelling | doaj-art-d3078768f2cf49fda0eaf90484474bd72025-08-20T02:28:37ZengMDPI AGJournal of Fungi2309-608X2025-03-0111425610.3390/jof11040256Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane PhospholipidsYitong Li0Hongchen Wang1Hengxiu Wang2Tianming Wang3Daqiang Wu4Wenfan Wei5Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, ChinaPathogenic fungi represent a growing concern for human health, necessitating a deeper understanding of their molecular mechanisms of virulence to formulate effective antifungal strategies. Recent research has increasingly highlighted the role of phospholipid components in fungal cell membranes, which are not only vital for maintaining cellular integrity but also significantly influence fungal pathogenicity. This review focuses on the impact of membrane phospholipid composition on fungal growth, morphogenesis, stress responses, and interactions with host cells. To be specific, membrane phospholipid composition critically influences fungal virulence by modulating growth dynamics and morphogenesis, such as the transition from yeast to hyphal forms, which enhances tissue invasion. Additionally, phospholipids mediate stress adaptation, enabling fungi to withstand host-derived oxidative and osmotic stresses, crucial for survival within hostile host environments. Phospholipid asymmetry also impacts interactions with host cells, including adhesion, phagocytosis evasion, and the secretion of virulence factors like hydrolytic enzymes. These adaptations collectively enhance fungal pathogenicity by promoting colonization, immune evasion, and damage to host tissues, directly linking membrane architecture to infection outcomes. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved, we aim to underscore the potential of targeting phospholipid metabolic pathways as a promising avenue for antifungal therapy. A comprehensive understanding of how membrane phospholipid composition regulates the virulence of pathogenic fungi can provide valuable insights for developing novel antifungal strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/4/256pathogenic fungivirulencecell membranephospholipid compositionmolecular mechanismsantifungal therapy |
| spellingShingle | Yitong Li Hongchen Wang Hengxiu Wang Tianming Wang Daqiang Wu Wenfan Wei Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane Phospholipids Journal of Fungi pathogenic fungi virulence cell membrane phospholipid composition molecular mechanisms antifungal therapy |
| title | Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane Phospholipids |
| title_full | Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane Phospholipids |
| title_fullStr | Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane Phospholipids |
| title_full_unstemmed | Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane Phospholipids |
| title_short | Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenic Fungal Virulence Regulation by Cell Membrane Phospholipids |
| title_sort | molecular mechanisms of pathogenic fungal virulence regulation by cell membrane phospholipids |
| topic | pathogenic fungi virulence cell membrane phospholipid composition molecular mechanisms antifungal therapy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/4/256 |
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