Host Cell Geometry and Cytoskeletal Organization Governs Candida–Host Cell Interactions at the Nanoscale

Candida is one of the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens in humans. Its adhesion to the host cell is required in parasitic states and is important for pathogenesis. Many studies have shown that there is an increased risk of developing candidiasis when normal tissue barriers are weakened or when immune defenses are compromised, for example, during cancer treatment that induces immunosuppression. The mechanical properties of malignant cells, such as adhesiveness and viscoelasticity, which contribute to cellular invasion and migration are different from those of noncancerous cells. To understand host invasion and its relationship with host cell health, we probed the interaction of Candida spp. with cancerous and noncancerous human cell lines using atomic force microscopy in the single-cell force spectroscopy mode. There was significant adhesion between Candida and human cells, with more adhesion to cancerous versus noncancerous cell lines. This increase in adhesion is related to the mechanobiological properties of cancer cells, which have a disorganized cytoskeleton and lower rigidity. Altered geometry and cytoskeletal disruption of the human cells impacted adhesion parameters, underscoring the role of cytoskeletal organization in Candida –human cell adhesion and implicating the manipulation of cell properties as a potential future therapeutic strategy.