Epitope shaving promotes fungal immune evasion

Abstract

The cell wall provides a major physical interface between fungal pathogens and their mammalian host. This extracellular armour is critical for fungal cell homeostasis and survival. Fungal-specific cell wall moieties, such as β-1,3-glucan, are recognised as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that activate immune-mediated clearance mechanisms. We have reported that the opportunistic human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, masks β-1,3-glucan following exposure to lactate, hypoxia or iron depletion. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which C. albicans masks β-1,3-glucan have remained obscure. Here we identify a secreted exoglucanase, Xog1, that is induced in response to lactate or hypoxia. Xog1 functions downstream of the lactate-induced β-glucan “masking” pathway to promote β-1,3-glucan “shaving”. Inactivation of XOG1 blocks most, but not all β-1,3-glucan masking in response to lactate, suggesting that other activities contribute to this phenomenon. Nevertheless, XOG1 deletion attenuates the lactate-induced reductions in phagocytosis and cytokine stimulation normally observed for wild type cells. We also demonstrate that the pharmacological inhibition of exoglucanases undermines β-glucan shaving, enhances the immune visibility of the fungus, and attenuates its virulence. Our study establishes a new mechanism underlying environmentally-induced PAMP remodelling that can be manipulated pharmacologically to influence immune recognition and infection outcomes.