Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall: composition and biosynthesis

Abstract

Analysis of the cell wall of Aspergillus fumigatus is guided by obvious biological reasons: the cell wall protects the fungus against the aggressive human defense reactions, it harbours most of the fungal antigens and it represents a potential drug target. This review will discuss our current understanding of the structural organization of the polysaccharides constitutive of the cell wall of A. fumigatus [alpha and beta(1,3)-glucans, chitin, galactomannan, and beta(1,3),(1,4)-glucan] and of the enzymes (synthases, transglycosidases, and glycosyl hydrolases) responsible for their biosynthesis and remodelling. Comparative analysis of the cell wall of the conidium and mycelium also provides insights on their respective roles during the pathogenic life of this fungal species.