Fig. 7. Overview of the growth of C. albicans within G. mellonella and the fungus’ interaction with the melanization immune response.

(1) Within 15 min of exposure to hemolymph, immune melanin forms around the C. albicans yeast. Following melanin encapsulation, ~23% of yeast form a germ tube that grows and escapes the melanin encapsulation. Non-melanin-encapsulated yeast form germ tubes faster and more frequently. (2) Hyphal growth continues with minimal melanin encapsulation occurring on hyphae. (3) Yeast (blastoconidia) begin to form on hyphae after 12–16 h, which triggers a large-scale bloom in the melanization response.