Candida albicans and its metabolite gliotoxin inhibit platelet function via interaction with thiols

Anne Bertling; Silke Niemann; Andreas Uekötter; Wolfgang Fegeler; Cornelia Lass-Flörl; Christof von Eiff; Beate E. Kehrel

doi:10.1160/TH09-11-0769

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Table of Contents

Thromb Haemost 2010; 104(02): 270-278
DOI: 10.1160/TH09-11-0769

Platelets and Blood Cells

Schattauer GmbH

Candida albicans and its metabolite gliotoxin inhibit platelet function via interaction with thiols

Authors

Anne Bertling

¹Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental and Clinical Haemostasis, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany

⁴Interdisciplinary Center of Clinical Research, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
Silke Niemann

¹Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental and Clinical Haemostasis, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
Andreas Uekötter

²Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany

⁴Interdisciplinary Center of Clinical Research, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
Wolfgang Fegeler

²Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
Cornelia Lass-Flörl

³Innsbruck Medical University, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology, and Social Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
Christof von Eiff

²Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany

⁴Interdisciplinary Center of Clinical Research, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
Beate E. Kehrel

¹Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental and Clinical Haemostasis, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany

⁴Interdisciplinary Center of Clinical Research, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany

Abstract

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Summary

Platelets bind to Candida albicans, the major cause of candidiasis. But in contrast to other microorganisms the fungus does not aggregate platelets. Gliotoxin (GT), which possesses immunosuppressive properties, is produced by various fungi, including the opportunistic pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and C. albicans. Its mode of action involves the formation of mixed disulfides with host proteins. Disulfide exchanges play an important role in platelet activation. Therefore, the effect of C. albicans and GT on platelet function was tested. C. albicans yeast cells (5,000–10,000 cells/μl) and GT, in pathophysiologically relevant concentrations (0.05–0.5 μM), inhibited platelet fibrinogen binding, anti gp IIb/IIIa antibody PAC-1 binding, aggregation and procoagulant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Alpha granule release, measured via CD62P surface expression, was not affected. Addition of reduced glutathione partially counteracted the effect of C. albicans and GT on platelet fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation. The C. albicans metabolite GT features antithrombotic properties in addition to its immunosuppressive functions. Since treatment with reduced glutathione partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of C. albicans yeast cells and GT on platelet fibrinogen binding, the antithrombotic activity is likely to depend on the disulfide bridge of this mycotoxin. GT production by C. albicans could contribute to its survival in the blood stream during vascular infections. The knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of the antithrombotic properties might help to treat fungal infections as well as thrombosis.

Keywords

Cell-cell interactions - infectious diseases - platelet physiology

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References

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