A New Nanotherapy Against Candida auris Colonization: Development of Antibodies Against the Adhesin Als3

• Grant number: 24/21023-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
• Grantee: Martha Helena Chaves Magalhães
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Candida auris, first described in Japan in 2009, is an emerging fungus that spreads easily and causes a disease with a high mortality rate. Since its discovery, it has become a global concern due to its resistance to multiple antifungals and its ability to cause outbreaks in hospital settings. This microorganism can cause severe infections and colonize both biotic surfaces, such as skin, and abiotic surfaces, surviving under adverse environmental conditions, which facilitates its spread. Skin colonization is an extremely important factor for this fungus due to its tropism for the area and the fact that individuals with this colonization can be asymptomatic and contribute to the spread of the microorganism, or later develop severe infections. The presence of adhesins, such as the Als3 protein, plays a crucial role in the yeast's adhesion to surfaces and biofilm formation, which are essential factors for its colonization and infection. Considering the relevance of C. auris and the need for new therapies, as its multiple resistance to available antifungals limits treatment options, this project aims to develop recombinant antibodies against the Als3 adhesin using cloning and recombinant expression techniques, and encapsulate them in a nanoemulsion with the goal of inhibiting C. auris adhesion and biofilm formation in artificial skin models. It is believed that this approach could significantly contribute to the control and treatment of infections caused by this pathogen.