Authors
Stefania Caramaschi, Francesco Ricchi, Arianna Sala, Laura Franceschini, Luca Fabbiani, Marzia Gozzoli, Luca Reggiani Bonetti, Elisabetta Blasi, Claudio Cermelli
Published in
Intervirology. Pages 1. Jul 31, 2026. Epub Jul 31, 2026.
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) are highly prevalent genital pathogens that often coexist, potentially influencing mutual replication and host responses. Building on our recent work employing mono- and co-infections in A-431 epithelial cells, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model using inert scaffolds and the presence of a synthetic vaginal fluid (SVF) to better mimic vaginal epithelium.
A-431 cells were cultured on inert 3D scaffolds, with or without SVF for 5 days, and then infected with C. albicans and/or HSV-2. Cell viability was assessed by LDH release, fungal burden by CFU assay, and viral load by PCR. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate epithelial structure, pathogen presence, and IL-6 production.
The A-431 cells formed a multilayered epithelium on scaffolds; yet, mature epithelial phenotype markers were not detected. SVF enhanced fungal growth and viral replication during co-infection. C. albicans significantly reduced epithelial viability, whereas HSV-2 showed minimal effects; dual infection caused slightly additive damage. IL-6 was produced both in mono and double infection.
The 3D scaffold-based model supports polymicrobial infection. Nevertheless, the lack of cell epithelial phenotype highlights the need of further strategies to more closely replicate the in vivo vaginal mucosal environment.
PMID:
42536598
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 01 Aug 2026.
Read full publication at:
Please sign in
to see all details.
Advertisement
Stats
- Recommendations n/a n/a positive of 0 vote(s)
- Views 3
- Comments 0