Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic and Immunoproteomic Analyses of the Candida albicans Hyphal Secretome Reveal Diagnostic Biomarker Candidates for Invasive Candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis (IC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients if not diagnosed early. Long-term use of central venous catheters a predisposing factor for IC. Hyphal forms Candida albicans (the major etiological agent IC) are related to invasion host tissues. The secreted proteins hyphae involved virulence, interaction, immune response, evasion. To identify IC diagnostic biomarker candidates, we characterized the C. hyphal secretome by gel-free proteomic analysis, further assessed antibody-reactivity patterns this subproteome serum pools from 12 non-catheter-associated (ncIC), 11 catheter-associated (cIC), non-IC patients. We identified 301 stratified stem extracellular region, cell wall, surface, or intracellular compartments. ncIC cIC had higher antibody levels than Seven were be immunogenic (Bgl2, Eno1, Pgk1, Glx3, Sap5, Pra1 Tdh3). Antibody-reactivity Bgl2, Pgk1 Glx3 discriminated patients, while those Tdh3 differentiated between These may useful development future tests.