Dysregulated inflammatory response to Candida albicans in a C5-deficient mouse strain.

Experimental infection of inbred mouse strains with Candida albicans provides a good model system to identify host genetic determinants that regulate onset of, response to, and ultimate outcome of disseminated candidiasis. The A/J mouse strain is exquisitely sensitive to infection with C. albicans, while the C57BL/6J strain is relatively resistant, as measured by survival following intravenous injection of Candida blastospores.

Gene expression in HL60 granulocytoids and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes exposed to Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic human pathogen causing both superficial and disseminated diseases. It is a dimorphic fungus, switching between yeast and hyphal forms, depending on cues from its microenvironment. Hyphae play an important role in the pathogenesis of candidiasis.