Differential Binding of Subgingival HIV C.albicans to Extracellular Matrix Proteins

Objectives: Opportunistic infections represent a common complication during HIV pathogenesis and do not only indicate, but also lead to, a progression of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Candida albicans is the most common AIDS-defining fungal opportunist in this infection. Since adhesion is the first step involved with dissemination of pathogens in the host, we have compared the interaction among C. albicans isolates from HIV positive child, HIV negative child and ATCC with several extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Methods: The binding of the yeasts to IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin was investigated by flow cytometry. The proteins involved in binding to ECM were identified by Western-blotting. Results: The results showed that HIV positive isolated had an increased in fluorescence percentual in binding to fibronectin (70.9%), laminin (89.8%) and collagen (87.4%) when compared with HIV negative isolated (40.8%; 66.4% and 87.1%) and ATCC (43.8%; 86% and 86%), respectively. Proteins probable involved in this process had been more expressed in HIV child isolate with mainly molecular weigh range from 20 to 80 kDa. Conclusion: These results suggest that the interaction between the C. albicans isolate from HIV positive patient and ECM could be a relevant factor in the process of fungal infection and invasion.

Financial support: FAPERJ and CNPq – Brazil.