The <i>Candida auris</i> Hog1 MAP kinase is essential for the colonization of murine skin and intradermal persistence

<i>Candida auris</i> is a World Health Organization fungal priority pathogen and an urgent public health threat recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <i>C. auris</i> has a unique ability to colonize human skin. It also persists on abiotic surfaces in healthcare environments for an extended period of time. These attributes facilitate the inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission of <i>C. auris</i>. Therefore, understanding <i>C. auris</i> skin colonization mechanisms is critical for infection control, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. However, despite its profound clinical relevance, the molecular and genetic basis of <i>C. auris</i> skin colonization mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein, we present data on the identification of the Hog1 MAP kinase as a key regulator of <i>C. auris</i> skin colonization. These findings lay the foundation for further characterization of unique mechanisms that promote fungal persistence on human skin.