Figure 1

(a) C. albicans yeast cell makes contact with the host epithelium, forming germ tubes (the precursors of hyphae). (b) Germ tubes/hyphae mediate the initial adherence and invasion process via the fungal adhesin, Hwp1, and invasins, Als3 and Ssa1. (c) Invasion of host epithelial cells via hyphal extension, followed by early toxin secretion into the invasion pocket. Immune signaling events are triggered and immune cytokines produced. Hyphal morphogenesis induces pyroptosis, although it is uncertain whether this is indirectly or directly mediated by Candidalysin. (d) Late toxin secretion leading to membrane damage, lactate dehydrogenase release and calcium influx. Immune activation continues along with release of the damage-associated cytokine, IL-1α. Non-pyroptotic cell death ensues; however, questions remain as to whether Candidalysin release mediates alternative mechanisms of cell death such as necroptosis.