Different events involved in the induction of macrophage tumor necrosis factor by Candida albicans and lipopolysaccharide.

Using an in vitro experimental model, we have recently demonstrated that Candida albicans in its hyphal form (H-Candida), similarly to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), enhances tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretory response in the cloned macrophage (M phi) population ANA-1. Here we show that H-Candida and LPS each differ in their requirements for intact protein kinase functions, susceptibility to 0.4-microns micropore-size membranes, and sensitivity to polymyxin B. These results, together with the synergistic effect occurring between H-Candida and LPS in inducing TNF response, indicate the existence of different receptor(s) and/or signal-transduction pathway(s) through which the two stimuli act.