Proteomics on its way to study host-pathogen interaction in Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen of humans, but also exists as a commensal in the population. Proteomics of C. albicans has been used since the early 1980s, however, only the recent publication of the genome sequence of C. albicans and improvements in mass spectrometry technologies have made it possible to apply proteomics to C. albicans on a larger scale. This includes analysing the cell wall, investigating drug response or changes in mutants with defects in virulence. In addition, serological responses to systemic candidiasis have been monitored and screens for virulence factors using patient sera, have been described. These promising approaches are just emerging, anticipating further contributions in C. albicans proteomics that will advance our understanding of host-pathogen interaction in the near future.