Human secretory and excretory fluids, molecular constituents, and their biotherapeutic perspective against fungal pathogen Candida albicans

Abstract

Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen that can cause a range of infections, from superficial mucosal infections to invasive systemic infections, particularly in individuals with immunocompromised systems. The antimicrobial potential of human secretory and excretory fluids is known; however, relatively less attention has been paid to their antifungal potential. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular constituents and antifungal properties of human secretory and excretory fluids against human fungal pathogen C. albicans to develop new strategies for combating the disease Candidiasis and enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between the host and pathogen. In this review, we discuss the potential antifungal molecules found in human saliva, vaginal fluid, cerumen, and urine. We also discussed the potential mechanisms of action of various antimicrobial peptides found in sweat, such as dermcidin and cathelicidin, and their potential as therapeutic agents against fungal infections. We have reviewed the information on anti-candidal molecules present in cerebrospinal fluid, cerumen, lacrimal fluid, sIgA, intestinal mucous, milk, saliva, seminal fluid, sweat, urine, etc. that would be very useful in a clinical context and futuristic biotherapeutic antifungal molecules.