Involvement of amyloid proteins in the formation of biofilms in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans.

Abstract Candida species represent a major fungal threat for human health. Within the Candida genus, the yeast Candida albicans is the most frequently incriminated species during episodes of candidiasis or candidemia. Biofilm formation is used by C. albicans to produce a microbial community that is important in an infectious context. The cell wall, the most superficial cellular compartment, is of paramount importance regarding the establishment of biofilms. C. albicans cell wall contains proteins with amyloid properties that are necessary for biofilm formation due to their adhesion properties. This review focuses on these amyloid proteins during biofilm formation in the yeast C. albicans.