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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2021 Aug 23.
Published in final edited form as: Annu Rev Nutr. 2020 Jul 17;40:323–343. doi: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-013120-043659

Figure 3: Fungi modulate host metabolism directly by secreting enzymes and toxins, and indirectly through their cell wall polysaccharides.

Figure 3:

The toxin candidalysin secreted by C. albicans, induces liver damage by promoting the release of IL-1β by liver phagocytes. β-Glucans on the surface of the fungal cell wall decrease intestinal absorption of cholesterol and reduce epithelial expression of the glucose transporter SGLT‐1. β-Glucan might slow gastric emptying thus reducing triglycerides and cholesterol absorption. Mannan also exerts a hypolipidemic effect on the mouse liver. Fungi secrete enzymes that directly digest the luminal nutrients and polyamines that modulate the expression of host metabolic enzymes and nutrient transporters in the intestinal epithelium.