Figure 2.
Recognition of Candida blastospores by VEC (vaginal epithelial cells) in women susceptible to VVC (vulvovaginal candidiasis). PRRs (pattern recognition receptors) classify blastospores as pathogens—production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and alarmins is started. PMNs (polimorfonuclears) infiltrate VECs but are unable to kill Candida or directly damaging tissue. This state relates to clinical symptoms of VVC (detailed mechanism still unknown).