Fig. 7

Graphical representation of the hypothesized melanoma response to C. albicans. C. albicans is recognized by TLRs and EphA2, triggering VEGF release and c-Fos expression, respectively. Intracellularly, the p38 and HIF-1α pathways are activated, promoting VEGF release through the activation of c-Fos/AP-1 and potentially other AP-1 subunits. Additionally, the p38 pathway plays a key role in driving metabolic reprogramming.