Dual function of Candida auris mannosyltransferase, MNT5, in biofilm community protection from antifungal therapy and the host.

UNLABELLED: Screen of mutants from a mannosyltransferase family identified the importance of MNT5 for C. auris biofilm drug resistance and neutrophil evasion. Biochemical analysis of the mnt5∆ mutant matrix and cell wall identified alterations in the mannan structures. Resistance and matrix for mnt5∆ were restored with delivery of wild-type matrix via extracellular vesicles. Analysis of the mnt5∆ cell wall revealed a reduction in mannan and compensatory increase in cell surface glucan and chitin, suggesting a role for MNT5 in mannan masking of pathogen-associated molecular patterns.

IMPORTANCE

C. auris recalcitrance is linked to biofilm drug resistance and immune evasion. The mannosyltransferase encoded by MNT5 is necessary for both phenotypes and may serve as a useful therapeutic target.