Candida albicans dimorphism as a therapeutic target

Abstract

The ability to switch between yeast and hyphal growth forms (dimorphism) is one of the most discussed and best investigated virulence attributes of the human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Both morphological forms seem to be important for virulence and have distinct functions during the different stages of disease development, including adhesion, invasion, damage, dissemination, immune evasion and host response. In this review, we will provide an overview of the known and potential roles of C. albicans dimorphism and will discuss the potential benefit of drugs that can inhibit the morphological transition.