The Candida albicans virulence factor candidalysin must self-assemble in solution to form membrane pores

Abstract

Pathogenic Candida albicans is responsible for systemic infections resulting in high morbidity and mortality to vulnerable populations. This is in large part due to the diverse virulence factors C. albicans employs to invade and damage human cells. One of these, candidalysin (CL), was recently found to be required for infection. It was proposed that CL promotes infection by cell membrane disruption. However, the specific mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of supported lipid bilayers treated with CL revealed static and dynamic pore populations, suggesting that membrane disruption occurs through pore formation.