Nomadic Lactobacilli as cell factory for antibiofilm therapy
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an infection caused by <i>Candida albicans</i> that presents an escalating threat to humans. Lactobacilli may play a critical role in maintaining microbiome balance in the gut and vagina as well as limiting fungal colonization, including <i>C. albicans.</i> Certain Lactobacilli, classified as nomadic groups is gaining immense popularity in antifungal defense due to its unique morphological adaptations. One significant adaptation is the V-shaped cell chaining observed under low pH conditions governed by the LuxS-mediated quorum-sensing system. This structural adaptation potentiates altered secondary metabolite secretion. These geometric forms are not solely survival responses but reflect a structurally coordinated strategy that enhances both antibiofilm and antihyphal activities. In this perspective, we argue that morphology-driven transitions identify nomadic Lactobacilli as a promising frontier in probiotic therapy. By shifting from conventional probiotic formulations to structured microbial interventions, we propose the development of novel sustainable therapeutics for anticandidal therapy.
Authors
- Leela Kakithakara Vajravelu
- Jintae Lee
- Moshe Shemesh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3854-6151)
- Satish Kumar Rajasekharan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3470-5565)
- Laura A. Paul (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4889-3464)
- Ashu Sharma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9252-0668)
- Hamitha Chinganadi Hameed
Institutions
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology (IN)
- Agricultural Research Organization (IL)
- Yeungnam University (KR)
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
- Published
- 2025-10-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1668573
- Primary Topic
- Probiotics and Fermented Foods
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology