Abstract: Objective To investigate the adherence mechanism of Candida albicans to host cells in molecular level. Methods and Results Yeast cell wall protein of Candida albicans were extracted, and purified fibronectin (Fn) adhesin was obtained from yeast cell wall extract. Fn adhesin was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE), the molecular weights of Fn adhesin were 60kd and 105kd. In order to find out the effect of the protein on adherence to host cells, human buccal epithelial cells and Candida albicans cells were incubated at 37℃ for 2 hours on a rotator, and yeasts adhering to the surfaces of epithelial cells were assayed microscopically. The adherence rate of C.albicans to buccal epithelial cells was 44.7±6.28%, and after treating the epithelial cells with Fn adhesin, the adherence rate reduced to 28.3±6.18%, P<0.01. Conclusion The results indicate Fn adhesin could mediate adherence of Candida albicans to epithelial cells.

Key words: Candida albicans, Fibronectin, Adhere