mGem: Fungal adhesins in <i>Candidozyma auris</i> confer unique fitness for skin colonization

<i>Candidozyma auris</i> (formerly <i>Candida auris</i>) is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in humans. <i>C. auris</i> is distinct from other <i>Candida</i> species and exhibits exceptional capacity for skin colonization, resulting in nosocomial transmission and outbreaks of invasive infections. Fungal adhesins play a crucial role in skin colonization. With this perspective, we discuss the recent advances in the fungal adhesins of <i>C. auris</i> and how the divergence of adhesins in <i>C. auris</i> contributes to its unique fitness for skin colonization. We also discuss potential avenues to target fungal adhesins, which could pave the way for developing novel vaccine strategies and therapeutics to prevent skin colonization, nosocomial transmission, and invasive <i>C. auris</i> infections in humans.