Candida albicans steryl 6-O-acyl-α-d-mannosides agonize signalling through Mincle

Abstract

The C-type lectin receptor Mincle binds Candida albicans and has been implicated in its pathobiology, but the molecular effectors responsible have not been identified. We report the synthesis of cholesteryl and ergosteryl 6-O-acyl-α-D-mannosides, produced by C. albicans mycelium, and demonstrate their ability to signal through human and mouse Mincle.