Effect of the gene on the pathogenicity of and immune function .

OBJECTIVES

a ubiquitous membrane protein in fungi, plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes, such as osmotic stress, oxidative stress, temperature response, and virulence regulation across different fungal species. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the gene on the pathogenicity of and its immune function .

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-nine clinical strains from various infection sites were collected to investigate the expression levels of the gene compared to its levels in the standard strain (SC5314). -knockout strains () were constructed to investigate the impact of the gene deletion on the biofilm formation, adhesion, and flocculation abilities of . A mouse model of systemic infection was established to evaluate the impact of deletion on survival, organ pathology, and immune cell function, as assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The expression level of the gene was found to be higher in clinical strains derived from sterile fluids, sputum, and secretions compared to that in the standard strains. Deletion of the gene diminished the biofilm-formation capacity of , leading to a sparse structure and reduced thickness, as well as diminished adhesion and flocculation abilities. Deletion of the gene prolonged mouse survival; decreased the fungal load in the liver, kidney, and spleen; and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into the kidney. In the spleens of mice injected with the strain, a decrease was observed in the percentage of M1-type macrophages and an increase in M2-type macrophages, resulting in a decreased M1/M2 macrophage ratio. Additionally, an increase was observed in the number of Th1 cells and a decrease in the number of Th2 and Th17 cells, leading to an increased Th1/Th2 ratio.

CONCLUSION

The gene significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of by influencing its biological behaviour and immune response .