Host-Pathogen Interaction Center

Our work focuses on clinically relevant pathogenic Candida species (C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. auris), which pose a growing healthcare threat due to their eukaryotic nature, leading to high rates of persistent and recurrent infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Global candidiasis incidence exceeds 750,000 cases annually, with associated mortality ranging from 46-70%.

Our primary objective is to identify critical fungal virulence factors driving infection stages, including adhesion, colonization, biofilm formation, and tissue penetration (invasive candidiasis/candidemia). The identification of central virulence factors aims to facilitate the development of novel, alternative therapeutic strategies.

We employ a multidisciplinary approach, utilizing various in vitro models - including human and murine immune cells (PMNs, monocytes, macrophages) and barrier cells (keratinocytes, mucosal epithelium) - to investigate antifungal host responses. These studies are complemented by diverse in vivo models, such as Galleria mellonella, Drosophila melanogaster, and specialized murine models (Mus musculus), enabling the comprehensive analysis of innate cellular and humoral immunity.