SAP6 — Candida albicans

Summary

C6_02710C_A (SAP6) in Candida albicans chromosome 6 encodes an aspartic endopeptidase (EC 3.4.23.24) of the aspartic peptidase A1 family, with metal-binding capability. The gene is associated with neutrophil chemotaxis and migration, cytokine production including IL-1, IL-6, type I IFN, and MIP2, as well as inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, innate immunity, germ tube formation, cell aggregation, and transepithelial migration of the symbiont in the host. It is linked to extracellular vesicle, fungal-type cell wall, and biofilm matrix localisation, and has been connected to oral, vaginal, and disseminated candidiasis in rodent models and humans. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity.