Role of Cell Surface Hydrophobicity in the Pathogenesis of Medically-Significant Fungi

Cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) is an important cellular biophysical parameter which affects the interaction of cells with each other and with various surfaces. In dimorphic fungi, multiple factors including the temperature-induced shift between mold and yeast forms have strong effects on CSH with higher hydrophobicity more common at the lower temperatures conducive to filamentous cell growth. Some strains of Cryptococcus neoformans exhibit high CSH despite the presence of the hydrophilic capsule. Among yeast colonies, distinct morphologies may correspond to differences in CSH. These differences in CSH frequently translate to altered virulence and can impact the efficacy of antifungal therapies. CSH is also frequently targeted by antifungal treatments. The mechanisms for the maintenance of CSH in pathogenic fungi remain poorly understood but an appreciation of this fundamental cellular parameter is important for understanding its contributions to such phenomena as biofilm formation and virulence.